Foodstuffs North Island has partnered with Visionwest to open Manaaki Kai, a social supermarket in Auckland, the city’s first. The initiative addresses food insecurity and provides affordable, quality food options for the local community.

The addition of Manaaki Kai marks the sixth social supermarket under its partnership umbrella, following the introduction of the initiative with Wellington City Mission in 2021.

Social supermarkets are a new approach to providing food support. It enables individuals who experience food insecurity to select groceries in a supermarket-style environment while giving them dignity. 

Unlike traditional food parcels that do not cater to specific dietary, cultural, and personal preferences, social supermarkets offer a wider range of food and groceries.

Using a points system, customers can choose the items that meet their needs. 

The new social supermarket is part of Foodstuffs North Island‘s ‘Here for NZ’ initiative, which promises to ensure all New Zealanders access to healthy and affordable food.

“Through our partnership with Visionwest, our goal is to create a positive impact by addressing food insecurity and supporting the community’s well-being,” said Chris Quein, CEO at Foodstuffs North Island. 

“We know that by working with great partners, we can make a real difference across the North Island.”

The cooperative has already opened several social supermarkets across New Zealand, including Wellington City Mission, Te Kahu Oranga Whānau in Kaitaia, Butterbean Motivation (BBM) in Tokoroa, 155 Whare Āwhina in Whangārei, and Linkt Trust in Otūmoetai. 

Visionwest has been operating a food bank service for more than 30 years, supports an estimated 60,000 people a year and has a large team providing a wide range of supportive services, including budgeting advice and counselling.