In 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was proclaimed. For the first time, this Declaration set out the fundamental human rights that need to protected for all people, in all countries. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) focus on many areas within the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and this weeks focus on SDG #2 – Zero Hunger – puts a focus on a fundamental part of the human rights which all people are afforded under this Declaration.
SDG #2 is directly linked to ensuring that the human right to an adequate standard of living is upheld, as stated in Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This states that:
- Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and wellbeing of oneself and their family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care, and necssary social services, and
- the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond ones control.
This blog will look further into how SDG #2 seeks to target the right to an adequate standard of living and the impacts that it has when this isn’t satisfied. We will then look at why SDG #2 is important for agriculture and end with highlighting the most practical way that we as part of the food system can look to have a tangible impact on SDG #2 right here in Aotearoa New Zealand.
What is SDG #2 about?
SDG #2 seeks to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
Targets under this goal are focused on:
- Ending hunger and all forms of malnutrition,
- Ensuring access by all people, particularly the poor and people in vulnerable situations, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round,
- Double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, particularly women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists and fishers,
- Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase production and productivity while also maintaining ecosystems, improving land and soil quality, and strengthening ability to adapt to climate change and its impacts,
- Maintain genetic diversity of seeds, cultivated plants, and farmed- and non-farmed animals.
The key themes I take away from SDG #2 and its targets are about ensuring access to food, security in food supply, and ensuring we create resilience in our food production systems and food supply into the future.
What is food insecurity?
The Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) define food insecurity as ‘the lack of regular access to enough safe and nutritious food for normal growth and development and an active and healthy life. This may be due to unavailability of food and/or lack of resources to obtain food.’
The severity of food insecurity that people face ranges. It is important to remember that food insecurity is not just about food. Factors like housing, access to education and employment, cost of living, and so much more are deeply intertwined with why people may become food insecure. The following diagram shows the spectrum of food security and insecurity:
What is the state of food insecurity in New Zealand?
While food insecurity is not limited to just families and children, the following statistics provide a glimpse into the sobering reality in New Zealand:


Why is SDG #2 important for agriculture?
As food producers, we are inherently connected to SDG #2 – Zero Hunger. We are privileged to be part of the supply chain for the distribution of quality protein, whether it be meat or milk, to other parts of the world. However, there is sometimes a criticism that we ‘don’t feed our own country first’. I think that this comment provides a challenge to our sector to not forget about our people at home. New Zealand agriculture focuses on chasing the premium market which means we are focused on consumers who are food secure – i.e. they are able to physically access, and economically afford, the food they require to live a healthy life. Economically, we need to do this, however, it doesn’t mean that we can’t also have an impact in our own backyard to ensure that those who need access to quality food can do so.
But how can we do this in an easy way that fits in with our day-to-day farming?
Meat the Need
Meat the Need, a farmer-founded and farmer-led charity, has sought to connect New Zealand food producers and New Zealand families that are in need. Thanks to this charity, the agricultural sector in New Zealand has been presented with a very easy way to contribute to improving food security in New Zealand. The work that Meat the Need is doing is having an incredible impact with 2.1 million mince and milk meals delivered to over 110 food banks since 2020.
We asked Zellara Holden, General Manager of Meat the Need, to tell us a bit about Meat the Need and how they are contributing to SDG 2 – Zero Hunger.
What’s the story behind Meat the Need?
Meat the Need began as a simple but powerful idea: connecting New Zealand farmers with those in our communities who are struggling to access nutritious food. In 2020, when farmers Wayne Langford and Siobhan O’Malley co-founded the charity, it was driven by the realisation that while we export world-class meat and dairy products, many Kiwis still face food insecurity.
The vision was to create a sustainable system where farmers could directly support communities in need. By donating livestock or milk, farmers contribute the best of what they produce to help feed their fellow New Zealanders. What makes Meat the Need special is that it’s a bridge between rural generosity and urban need – a way to demonstrate the powerful spirit of manaakitanga that runs through Aotearoa.
How does Meat the Need align with SDG #2 – Zero Hunger? What is your role in this space?
Meat the Need embodies SDG #2 by directly addressing hunger through innovative and sustainable solutions. We align with this goal by:
- Providing food security: Distributing high-quality, locally-produced food, like premium ground beef and milk, to food banks across the country.
- Reducing food waste: Leveraging surpluses or products that might otherwise go unused to ensure they feed people rather than go to waste.
- Promoting sustainable agriculture: Partnering with farmers to integrate giving into their production cycles, showcasing New Zealand’s ability to produce sustainably and generously.
Our role is unique because we operate as an agile, farmer-led initiative. We ensure that donations from our farmers, whether meat or milk, goes directly to those who need it most. This not only tackles hunger but also fosters a culture of giving within the primary sector, empowering farmers to see their products’ tangible impact.
How can you support the work of Meat the Need?
Supporting the work of Meat the Need directly helps to continue progress towards SDG #2. The primary sector can have a distinct impact on this goal by continuing to support getting some of our best protein to those who are facing food insecurity in New Zealand. The work of Meat the Need to date has highlighted that there is a need to serve our communities, that there is large farmer appetite to do so, and more importantly that it is having a profound impact.
Meat the Need have multiple ways you can donate to their cause and have a positive impact food insecurity in New Zealand.

Meat the Need accept livestock donations of sheep, beef, or deer.
If you are a Silver Ferns Farm supplier, you can pledge livestock via this form.
If you are with Alliance, you can donate via the Farm Alliance Portal.
You can now also donate your livestock directly at Hazlett Yards.
If you are not a SFF or Alliance supplier, you can still donate livestock to Meat the Need by doing a one-off supply to SFF.

If your milk is processed through Fonterra, Miraka or Synlait, fill in this form and Meat the Need will take care of the rest:

To help Meat the Need to keep providing nutritious protein into food banks, you can make a one-off or recurring credit card payment by filling out their donation form.
You can also text FEED to 2662 to donate $3

Meat the Need has recently teamed up with GatheredHere, a free and easy to use online wills platform. When you’re completing your will, you can choose to include a gift to support Meat the Need in their mission to end hunger across New Zealand.

Your Farm Source points can do more than you think. Contribute your Farm Source rewards here to Meat the Need and Feed Out, and help them to provide essential dairy products to food banks and families in need.

Your spotlight on SDG #2, Zero Hunger, is incredibly important—what do you think are the most effective actions we can take locally to help achieve this goal? Regards Telkom University Jakarta
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Important insights into global food security! Also, learn how to fix Wi-Fi issues at home: Wi-Fi Troubleshooting.
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