Hon POTO WILLIAMS (Associate Minister for Social Development) on behalf of the Minister for Social Development: The Government has put $32 million towards supporting food banks, food rescue, and community food services with increased demand over the next two years and to support communities to work together to create food-secure communities. Our food banks and community food services have done a great job at supporting New Zealanders and keeping communities well-fed as we respond and recover from COVID-19. This additional funding bolsters their capability and provides greater security and coordination amongst the sector. In Auckland alone, 29 food banks and community food services have been approved funding over the next two years, totalling over $7.5 million. We have heard that many food banks in Auckland have experienced increased demand since the change to alert level 3 was announced, and due to the additional Government support and coordination across food support systems, they feel prepared to respond to the needs of their communities. 