It’s important to eat well to maintain physical and mental wellbeing. So, if you’re finding it difficult to make your own, healthy meals at home, this is something you should talk about with your needs assessment service coordination (NASC) provider as you might be able to get support. Learn more about NASC.
Making good food at home
If you want to learn more about healthy eating, you can find lots of information about making good food choices at Diabetes NZ.
The Heart Foundation also has lots of great information and resources about diet — and exercise — as well as a number of downloadable recipes that are easy and budget-friendly.
It’s not always easy getting to the supermarket when you need to, so take a look at our pages about accessing public transport and finding help with the cost of transport. Countdown and some New World supermarkets offer home delivery for a fee. My Food Bag is another option. They provide a menu plan, recipes and deliver the ingredients you need for a week of evening meals.
If you’re not a whiz in the kitchen, eat.co.nz send prepared meals either chilled or frozen for you to heat and eat at home. With delivery costs, the service can be a bit pricey for some. You’ll find Meals on Wheels is a more affordable option, with a prepared, hot meal and dessert delivered to your home at midday for a small cost per meal. Meals on Wheels is organised by district health boards. Talk to your doctor or other health provider about being referred to the service.
Help with the cost of groceries
If you are having trouble meeting the cost of groceries, contact Work and Income. You may be able to apply for a grant to buy food. You might also qualify for a Disability Allowance if you need help covering the costs of a special diet.
Some community houses offer affordable weekly fruit and vegetable boxes (many for around $10 a week). Search for a ‘community house’ or ‘community centre’ in your region on the Family Services Directory.
Community gardens can also be a source of affordable fruit and vegetables — and seeds and seedlings so you can grow your own produce at home. And it’s a great way of getting active, meeting people and learning new skills. Find a community garden in you region on the Ecofind website. You can also ask about community gardens at your local community house.
If you need urgent food assistance, you can use the Family Services Directory to search for local food banks or visit a Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). Most Salvation Army ministries also provide food parcels for people in urgent need, as well as long-term advice about budgeting and Work and Income entitlements.
