Rebekah Graham

Guest writer

Dr Rebekah Graham's research with families documents the lived experiences of food insecurity in New Zealand. An independent researcher, Rebekah lives in Hamilton with her husband, their children, and a very fluffy cat.

Rebekah Graham and her whānau (Photos: Supplied; design Tina Tiller)

Cutting sorely needed supports for carers is cruel and harmful

Caring for a disabled family member can be incredibly tough. Sudden restrictions to support funding will make it even tougher.

By Rebekah Graham | 20th March, 2024

It’s rare, but dangerous, for food you bought to contain contamination (Photo: Getty Images)

Why giving beneficiaries meal kits is the wrong approach

The very idea that a meal kit is a suitable alternative to a food grant undermines the importance of autonomy and self-determination as human rights, writes Rebekah Graham.

By Rebekah Graham | 11th December, 2019

Hungry parents = hungry kids

Why hungry kids make for hungry parents

Within households grappling with food insecurity, parents will often choose to go without essentials long before their children do, writes Dr Rebekah Graham.

By Rebekah Graham | 6th September, 2019

Let’s end the school lunch moralising

Let’s end the school lunch moralising

Food policing and lunchbox shaming has got to stop. Well intentioned as it may be, it's not working – and it's hurting our most vulnerable families, writes Dr Rebekah Graham.

By Rebekah Graham | 29th June, 2018

Benefit sanctions are cruel and they’re hurting mothers

Benefit sanctions are cruel and they’re hurting mothers

In response to recent comments defending the cruelty of benefit sanctions for mothers, Dr Rebekah Graham brings us the case of Anna, a young mother whose benefit sanction made an already difficult situation worse.

By Rebekah Graham | 26th April, 2018

Just because you use tinned tomatoes often, doesn’t mean they’re useful for others. (Photo: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)

No, charities don’t want your inedible food items

There's a widespread belief that charities and people living in poverty should just 'be grateful' for any food donations they receive. That's a dangerous and damaging idea, argues Rebekah Graham.

By Rebekah Graham | 13th December, 2017

No, poor New Zealand families don’t need your crappy advice

No, poor New Zealand families don’t need your crappy advice

Rebekah Graham continues her series on the results of her PhD research on food insecurity. Here she addresses the ridiculous and useless advice forced on poor New Zealand families.

By Rebekah Graham | 9th November, 2017

No, poor NZ families don’t just need to make ‘better choices’

No, poor NZ families don’t just need to make ‘better choices’

Parents in low income families are always being told that they're making bad choices in the supermarket. So many wealthy or comfortable families seem to believe they'd be able to survive and thrive better. But, as Rebekah Graham explains, her research with New Zealand families shows what's really happening.

By Rebekah Graham | 20th September, 2017