The Big Feed live rural telethon kicked off at 6am today, aiming to raise money to buy as many mince and milk meals as possible for more than 110 foodbanks across New Zealand. Last year’s telethon resulted in a collective 1.2 million meals being provided to foodbanks.
It’s also hoped The Big Feed will raise awareness of food insecurity in New Zealand and bring rural and urban communities together, while also providing a bit of fun with some hilarious challenges and competitions, say organisers.
The Big Feed is hosted by TV personality Matt Chisholm, former boxer Dave Letele and Federated Farmers president and Meat the Need co-founder Wayne Langford.
It will feature live interviews with celebrities and sports stars across the country, including fishing expert Matt Watson, comedians Te Radar and Dai Henwood, influencer Erin Simpson and broadcaster Duncan Garner, to name a few.
Panel discussions and interviews with food banks and community organisations, as well as researchers, will highlight and raise awareness around food insecurity in Aotearoa.