Feed a Bro on the Road wasn’t created in an office or around a boardroom table.  It was born from a lived experience.

In 2016, I found myself standing in line at a free community meal in Christchurch.  Like many others, I was going through a difficult time and needed a helping hand.  While waiting for my meal, I overheard people saying, “Why is she here? She’s not homeless.”

Those words stayed with me.

That moment made me realise that no one should ever feel judged for needing a meal.  Struggle doesn’t always look the same.  Some people are homeless, while others are working hard but still can’t afford groceries or a hot dinner.  Everyone deserves kindness, dignity, and respect.

From that day forward, I made a promise to myself: if I was ever in a position to help others, I would create a place where everyone is welcome, no questions asked, and no judgement.

From that promise, the vision began to take shape.  In 2020, I turned that promise into action by beginning to serve free meals to people in need throughout Christchurch.  Since then, I have continued serving free meals to the community and people experiencing homelessness at Margaret Mahy Park, Latimer Square, and other locations throughout Christchurch.  Every meal shared has been about more than food – it has been about treating people with dignity, building connections, and letting people know they mattered.

I also had the privilege of travelling throughout New Zealand, taking free meals to communities in need—from Invercargill to Whangārei. Along the way, that one act of kindness inspired communities such as Ashburton and Westport to begin their own free community feeds, showing how compassion can spread from one community to another.

Those experiences showed me that hunger exists everywhere and strengthened my vision of establishing a permanent community soup kitchen in Christchurch, where anyone experiencing hardship can always find a warm meal, a welcoming smile, and a place where they are treated with dignity and without judgement.

A Story That Touched Hearts Across New Zealand

Over the years, the initiative gained recognition across New Zealand, with it’s work being featured by national media and recognized through community awards.

• Featured on 7 Sharp (TVNZ 1)

• Interviewed by Radio New Zealand (RNZ)

• Featured on Tahu News

• Recipient of the ASB Good as Gold Award

• 2026 Kiwibank Local Hero Regional Finalist (Canterbury Waitaha)

As the initiative continued to grow, it was officially established as Feed a Bro on the Road a registered Charitable trust.

Today, Feed a Bro on the Road continues the work that began in 2020, serving the Christchurch community while working towards something that has never been done before.

Looking Ahead

Our vision is to expand our free evening community feeds from three days a week to seven days a week, helping more people access a free meal when they need one.

We are also exploring the possibility of establishing an emergency weekend foodbank, operating Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 5 pm, to provide essential groceries to individuals and families experiencing hardship.

With the support of our community, donors and local businesses, we hope to grow our services and reach more people who need support.

No one should ever be judged for being hungry. Everyone deserves a seat at the table.