Food insecurity and urban poverty in New Zealand: A scholar-activist engagement

Abstract

There is little in-depth knowledge as to what inhibits impoverished families from obtaining sufficient food to eat healthily. This discussion paper provides an overview of the social and policy circumstances that create and maintain food poverty in New Zealand. We attempt to locate some answers to this issue by engaging scholars and practitioners working alongside families with on-going food insecurity. A qualitative meta-analysis comprising a comprehensive literature review was conducted alongside key informant interviews with experienced scholar-activists to contribute to the development of a more in-depth understanding of this complex social issue. We contend that food insecurity and urban poverty are troubling realities for many families in New Zealand and are exacerbated by structural constraints. We argue, as current and future psychologists engaging in concerns critical to community wellbeing, we need to situate our work within local socio-political contexts.