To help suppliers affected by Cyclone Gabrielle, grocery giants Countdown and Foodstuffs North Island have contributed a combined $1 million in financial aid.

Countdown supermarkets have committed $700,000 in cash grants and a $50,000 donation to the Rural Support Trust while Foodstuffs North Island committed $250,000 in funding to assist growers impacted in Northland, Coromandel, Gisborne, and Hawkes Bay.

Countdown’s commercial director for fresh, Pieter de Wet, said it is the retailer’s “responsibility” to step up and help its growers when they need it most.

Chris Quin, CEO of Foodstuffs North Island (pictured above), said the cyclone’s impact on some of its growers and partners has been significant.

“Our plan aims to provide immediate relief and longer-term support to help growers and partners get back on their feet.”

The co-op will also provide early payment to growers and partners to “accelerate cash flow” to help meet immediate expenses.

“Our support can be used for any number of activities including cleaning up, replacing and hiring equipment, paying for temporary labour, and providing workers with support payments or wages,” said Quin.

• Further reading: Foodstuffs North Island to repurpose textile waste with Upparel