KidsCan has launched an urgent appeal as vulnerable Kiwi children bear the brunt of the cost of living crisis, with some families "at breaking point".
One principal wrote to the children's charity illustrating just how challenging the beginning of winter has been for some families.
"Whānau are at breaking point... no water for weeks, no power, no petrol to bring their children to school."
They added their school hasn't had 100 percent attendance all year but is thankful for the KidsCan lunch in schools.
"Because for many of them, that's their main source of kai."
One early childhood centre has seen an increase in the number of babies enrolled, which they put down to new mothers being forced back to work early.
A KidsCan spokesperson said staff at the centre are picking up children each morning so families can save petrol for the weekend.
Staff at another centre are paying the power for one family who has lost an income.
"Teachers are digging into their own pockets to help where they can."
KidsCan is supporting more than 1000 schools and childhood centres in Aotearoa putting food in the stomachs of 44,000 children. But they say there are thousands still in need.
"Thousands more in 19 schools and 52 early childhood centres are waiting for help.
"Seven schools applied for support in one week alone in April, as inflation hit a 30-year high, and requests for hot meals are up 33 percent on last term," the spokesperson added.
In a bid to meet demand KidsCan is urging the public to donate $15 in an urgent appeal as winter bites.
"$15 will feed a child for a week with a nutritious breakfast of baked beans, bread, spreads, fruit and yogurt, and morning tea of trail mix, snack bars and fruit pottles."
KidsCan's CEO Julie Chapman said whānau on low incomes are doing it "tougher than ever before".
"They can't absorb the rising cost of living, and by the end of the week the food runs out. It's an awful way to live."
Chapman added monthly donations have dropped for the first time.
"We are asking everyone who can afford it to donate just $15 to help feed the children we support and reach those waiting for help more quickly."
To donate visit: www.15for15.org.nz
