The Salvation Army/Te Ope Whakaora says it's slashing community foodbank services by 25 percent due to Government funding cuts.
It says it's struggling to meet increasing demand for its services - which is why it's launching a winter appeal this week.
Jono Bell, Salvation Army's national director of community ministries, said the Government's cuts to social services are "leading to continued hardship" for thousands of Kiwis.
He said that's on top of inflation, the rising cost of living and insecure housing.
"People on the lowest incomes are not getting the increases in income to keep pace with rising expenses."
The Salvation Army has provided food to more than 60,000 people in the past six months alone, he said.
"And the harsh reality is that we don't have enough funds to service the need we're seeing on the front line."
Salvation Army isn't the only charity struggling though.
Tauranga charity Good Neighbour distributed $136,000 of food last year to Waikato University and Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology to support struggling students.
And the Auckland City Mission announced last week it also had to slash the number of food parcels it provides, from 50,000 to 20,000 a year. It's already had to start turning away families.
"As of July 1, we will receive very, very little money, so $75,000 is what the Mission will receive from the Government," City Missioner Helen Robinson told Newshub.
"The mission needs $1.5 million annually to keep production at the current level," she added.
Social Development (MSD) Minister Louise Upston recently defended the Government's move to cut funding for community food providers.
She told Newshub there are still options for people who need help to get food.
"The Coalition Government continues to fund the New Zealand Food Network that supplies food banks to address food insecurity," she said.
"Anyone who is really struggling to buy food can also apply for a hardship grant from MSD if they need urgent help."
Donations towards the Salvation Army for its winter appeal will go towards providing food parcels, accommodation, financial mentoring, plus counselling and addiction services.
Bell said like others, the charity isn't immune to rising costs - resulting in the need to launch its winter appeal.
"The issues are complex and they need a thoughtful, long-term solution," Bell said. "The Government needs a cross-sector plan and strategy towards food security because we know it isn't going to go away."
