The cost-of-living crisis is placing greater demand on east Auckland foodbanks that are providing much-needed sustenance to families under financial pressures.
The Times has spoken to foodbanks run voluntarily by local churches and the response has been they’re seeing higher levels of requests from individuals and families struggling to afford food.
Ken Stevenson, of All Saints Anglican Church in Howick, says its foodbank is open most weekdays.
“We’re experiencing increased demand with 82 parcels distributed last month – a record for the year.”
Based on present trends, Stevenson forecasts the foodbank will give out 800 parcels in total for 2024 by the end of December.
“We’ve reviewed our parcel contents to ensure we’re providing the essentials to provide for two adults and two children for a week,” he says.
“We obviously add to that where we’re donating to a larger family which is often the case.”
The foodbank operated by St Mark’s Catholic Church, located on Pakuranga Road opposite Lloyd Elsmore Park, is part of the wider Catholic church’s charitable organisation, the Saint Vincent de Paul Society (SVDP).
Grace Cheah, of SVDP St Mark’s, says its foodbank is experiencing a rise in calls for assistance from members of the community, and from further afield from residents of suburbs such as Manurewa and Papakura.
“It has been a gradual increase. I’m not sure if it’s due to rising unemployment.
“The rising cost of living is a major factor. Most of our clients are struggling to pay bills and turning to the foodbank for assistance.
“We provide mainly food parcels. We do not have a trained budgeter. We refer clients to Pakuranga and Howick Budgeting Service or SVDP Otahuhu budgeters, if required.
“Monetary or food donations are helpful. We would like to work with local supermarkets for purchases at cost price.
“Networking with community social services, for example, social workers, budgeting offices, Citizens Advice Bureau, are helpful as we’re made aware of available services and can work in partnership with the community.”
Stevenson says All Saints’ foodbank helped 2547 people in 2023.
“That’s despite the fact we reduced our operations from five to four days a week in 2022 to relieve pressure on our volunteers.
“The stats show an increase from 2020 of 57 per cent in the number of parcels distributed annually and an increase of 82 per cent in the persons assisted.”
The Rotary Club of Botany Downs is holding a Community Food Drive – for families struggling with rising cost of living, on August 30-31.
For more information and to provide assistance, contact Amar Prakash, phone 022 624 5231.
