A report from the Ministry of Health says many cash-strapped parents are stressed and anxious about providing food and are often forced to rely on charities or emergency assistance.
It estimates about 20 percent of children - that's one in five - are living in households facing moderate to severe food insecurity.
Josephine* is a solo mum of two on the benefit, and she told RNZ social issues reporter Sarah Robson that when an unexpected cost comes up, the food budget gets the squeeze.
*Not her real name
