About Our Charity
A model worth supporting
This initiative is about more than just food - it’s about empowering people, restoring dignity, and building a stronger, more resilient community.
With continued support, we can expand our reach and ensure that no one in our community has to struggle with food insecurity in silence. We invite partners and funders to join us in making this vision a reality.
Have a Heart Food Hub - Whare Kai was created to support individuals and families struggling to put food on the table. Initially, we operated by distributing free food parcels, but we soon realized that this model had limitations:
Lack of choice
The lack of choice in the original food parcels led to a loss of dignity, leaving people feeling powerless rather than respected participants in their own wellbeing.
Loss of Dignity
The lack of choice in the original food parcels not only resulted in unsuitable items and waste but also caused a loss of dignity, as people felt like passive recipients rather than active participants in meeting their own needs.
Stigma and Dependency
Common attitudes such as “If you're hungry, you'll eat it” and “Beggars can’t be choosers” reinforced an unhealthy dynamic between those giving and those receiving help.
A New Approach:
Low-Cost Groceries with Free Incentives
To address these challenges, we transitioned to a low-cost grocery model where people can buy food at significantly reduced prices and receive free essential items as a bonus. This simple yet powerful shift has transformed our impact:
Restoring Dignity
People can now say, “I paid for my food”, removing the stigma of charity.
Empowering Choice
Shoppers select the food they want, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.
Encouraging Participation
Many who previously avoided food assistance due to pride is now comfortable engaging with the Food Hub as regular shoppers rather than recipients of handouts.
Impact on the Community
Since implementing this model, we have seen:
Less Waste
Every item taken is chosen with intent, reducing unnecessary waste.
Increased Reach
More vulnerable people are accessing food assistance without stigma.
A Shift in Mindset
People feel a sense of agency rather than dependence.
Sustainable Support
The low-cost sales help sustain the program and make funding more effective.