Work begins at free food store’s new site

not to renew its lease from April next year.

Having had an agreement that meant the free food store could use the building for nothing, the future looked uncertain for the organisation.

Just Zilch still needs to raise between $60,000 and $80,000 to keep going.

Having been provided a new location by the Palmerston North City Council, construction is underway but without the funds needed to properly fit out the location.

Founder Rebecca Culver said the fridge and freezer were particularly important.

‘‘We don’t actually funding it at the moment.

‘‘We’re looking to get $50,000 for that.

‘‘We’re dealing with more and more cold goods.

‘‘For example, this week we picked up some near-to-expired yoghurt.’’

And the quantity of the food being donated warranted a large fridge and freezer unit, she said.

Culver said they had received eight pallets of yoghurt in one donation earlier this year.

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The building will also be fit with shelves and counters built by the Menz Shed with recycled wood from the Human Aid Foundation.

They were also receiving a lot of help form businesses, in the form of carpenters, electricians and plumbers donating labour for free.

But there might be a bit of a shortfall, as there were ‘‘ some things you have to buy’’, she said.

The new building also needs an awning, to keep the patrons dry while they wait to collect their food during bad weather.

Builders Isles Construction have donated time to help the organisation make the move and have inducted a troop of volunteers to help in the building process.

‘‘A mixture of people are helping.

‘‘People who have stepped up to do it and some of my volunteers.’’

Culver said the volunteers were already ahead of schedule.

If enough money is raised for the fridge, she said they plan to move in November.

Anyone wanting to donate goods or money to Just Zilch can visit justzilch.org.nz.