Banking 30 years of food for the community

The Nelson Community Food Bank has been helping to feed the community for more than three decades, but now it is appealing to locals to help keep it going.

The charity has launched its mid-winter food drive this month and is seeking donations of non-perishable items to fill their pantry amid increasing demand for food parcels.

Manager Neville Hadfield says they are making up to 30 food parcels per day and the demand has increased since last year as people struggle with the cost of living.

Chairperson Kathy Mardon says the food bank experienced an “explosion” of growth just before Covid hit.

“The demand doubled, then trebled, then continued along those lines. There is no limit to it, it’s just ongoing.”

They have also seen a rise in demand since Kai With Love closed at the beginning of this year.

Families are allowed one food parcel per month, which they can apply for through any of their partner agencies, such as The Salvation Army, who also help applicants with other support such as budgeting advice.

Kathy says their mid-winter drive is a good chance for schools and businesses to get behind the food bank and individuals can donate to any of their drop-off bins in local supermarkets.

“Some people are so generous, we’ve had farmers donating cattle out of the blue, and quite often people will just walk in here with a parcel to donate. We also get local honey and peanut butter - so local businesses help us, too.”

Some of the items they are seeking for their food drive are oats, pasta, rice, noodles, crackers, instant coffee, tea, and milo. Canned food such as pasta sauce, baked beans and tinned fruit are also needed, as are hygiene items.

The charity has around 25 regular volunteers, who “keep it going”, according to Neville.

“They love doing it too, they look forward to it every week.”

Kathy says they would like to say a big “thank you” to the Nelson public as well as their sponsors and funders, including Te Piki Oranga, COGS, St Vincent de Paul, Nelson City and Tasman District Councils, The Tindall Foundation, Top of the South Community Foundation, Pub Charity, Ministry of Social Development, NZ Red Cross, Lottery Grants Board and George Brown Trust.

To find out how you can help, go here.