Govt food hardship spending jumps by $10m

Government spending on food hardship grants jumped $10 million last year, with Work and Income handing out more grants than ever before. Ministry of Social Development figures show that almost 498,00 grants for food were made in 2017 - an increase of close to 100,000 on the year before - at a cost of $52 million. Kathleen is a solo mum of one. She lives in Auckland, is on a benefit and says at times, she's struggled to put food on the table and she's had to resort to getting a grant from Work and Income. She spoke with RNZ social issues reporter Sarah Robson.