Donation to foodbank
The Ōmokoroa Community Church’s Foodbank stock was given a significant boost thanks to a $1000 donation from Fresh Choice. Steve Ling from the Ōmokoroa supermarket emailed the offer to Rev Lynda Moses who replied with a wishlist of non-perishables including UHT milk, tea, coffee, peanut butter, weetbix and laundry detergent.
The Foodbank had received a rush of demand at the beginning of Level 4 lockdown although Rev Lynda Moses says the number of requests for help slowed down during Level 3. She anticipated the need would rise again with the end of the Wage Subsidy, which could see a higher number of people either unemployed or facing a cut in wages or work hours available. “When the schools go back, I think the numbers will rise again, too,” says Lynda.
She was pleased the Foodbank was able to offer support to members of the local community but noted that there was still quite a stigma attached to asking for that help. “Not only is this a confidential service, but we can help with other issues too, and help put people in touch with other agencies.”
The In This Together Ōmokoroa (ITTO) group is now more about connection and volunteers making phone calls to vulnerable neighbours. Although there was still some shopping being done, it was more about keeping in touch with people, popping a few things in mailboxes, having a (distanced) conversation over the garden fence for those with no telephone.
Before COVID-19, a Foodbank parcel included thirty non-perishable items which made for a top-up rather than a full shop. The boxes now include bread and eggs, and fruit from locals which has regularly been left at the church door. Donations from Fresh Choice mean frozen meat has been added to make a reasonably comprehensive parcel.
Volunteers have also packaged goods to send to Matakana Island once a week, usually on a Thursday barge.
Foodbank Coordinator Christine Grainger and Lynda Moses say they really appreciate the support from the community and the generosity of Fresh Choice.