Kidscan chief executive Julie Chapman says $350,000 in annual funding which she was told will no longer be provided by the government could fund basic items for impoverished children at 35 schools.
Ms Chapman, speaking this morning to TVNZ 1's Breakfast today said she was informed on Thursday last week by Oranga Tamariki that the baseline funding would end, however the government has said that is not confirmed.
"We had every hope and knowledge that would continue," Ms Chapman said.
"The level of deprivation that we're actually seeing in the community is getting worse, we are seeing more need for food."
Ms Chapman said she was told that, under Labour's 100-day plan, there was no ability to continue the funding, but that she understands Labour has a considerable focus on reducing child poverty itself with new policies.
"Material hardship is one of the most difficult things to move children out of," Ms Chapman said.
The charity estimates it's providing meals for 30,000 children a week. (Source: Other)
"My thinking is that they [the government] need to continue to fund organisations like ours while those policies are being bedded in - because in between children are going to go hungry and without the basics."
The $350,000 in funding would be enough to help children from about 35 schools on the organisation's waiting list, she said.
Minister for Children Tracey Martin has said she was unaware of the issue and that the funding cut is not yet decided.
"I've only just become aware of this issue and I have asked officials to provide me a briefing on this relationship and the funding issues," Ms Martin said.
"This government values organisations that provide real help to children and Kidscan has obviously done some great work with a lot of kids."
Chief executive Julie Chapman is calling for the Government to step in. (Source: Other)
Labour and National have disagreed over who is responsible for funding, with each blaming the other's government.
Ms Martin also said this morning in a statement that "from what I’ve seen from [Kidscan's] Annual Report, it has been running surpluses and has cash reserves, so doesn’t look like it is at any immediate risk".
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