Fourfold need for foodbanks
Rising cost-of-living has hit poorer families hardest say organisers
Food banks and food rescues in Hawke’s Bay are seeing demand increasing up to fourfold what it was before Covid with the cost of living increasing.
They say cost-of-living support in the latest Government Budget will not alleviate increased demand for support.
Paul Barber, senior social policy analyst with the Salvation Army’s social policy and parliamentary unit, said the cost-of-living payment in the 2022 Budget was not enough to address the needs of lower-income households.
“That is a temporary payment that will provide some relief to middle and lower-income households, but it is not going to go to the people who are struggling the most, who are relying on welfare benefits or NZ Super.
“We’re disappointed that decision was taken, we would have liked to have seen those people included in that.”
Nourished for Nil founder Christina McBeth said there had been a steady increase in demand during the past two months.
“We’ve noticed different faces coming in larger numbers than the last two years.”
She estimated there had been a 15 per cent increase in the number of people served and parcels made at Nourished For Nil over the past year.
Typically, winter was quieter than summer, making this trend even more noticeable.
“These last few months definitely equal summer or potentially more.
“There is a lot of anxiety about rising food prices and people still not generally being able to find work or losing their jobs, some people affected by mandates, and it all creates this perfect storm.”
She said for the most part they were able to keep up with the demand increasing.
“We are partnered with the Ministry of Social Development so if there is a shortfall, we receive purchased donated goods as well, so that’s certainly helping us stay on top and makes sure the parcels we are making are robust and adequate for four to five days.”
The Food Basket CHB co-ordinator Melanie King said the cost-of-living payment would provide short-term help.
“It will help the group we are seeing the highest increase of need in the last six months, the group that hasn’t been eligible for the winter energy payments and that sort of thing so far.
“However, it is a very short-term fix and it’s not going to have long-term impact.”
She said demand spiked for the food rescue in the first quarter of this year and had remained higher than in previous years.
Last year, The Food Basket CHB distributed to about 350 households a week in the Central Hawke’s Bay area.
Just before Easter this year, that number had doubled to about 700 a week before settling to 500 to 600 a week.
“You go back pre-Covid, we were doing 150 per week.”
They were able to keep up with the increasing need by working with the other agencies.
She had observed a consistently changing clientele, and that suggested they were able to help most people stabilise after providing aid.
“I see it as a positive because people are not afraid to ask for help when they need it, but they are not relying on it.
“As well as donated food we encourage our community to share their knowledge, skills and surplus fruit, veges and plants with our community.”
The Food Basket CHB rescues and shares and food for free in CHB to reduce food waste and increase food security.
Clients and volunteers always welcome.