Deliveries from the Nelson Community Foodbank enabled a grandparent to buy shoes for his grandchildren and for another family, helped ensure their children had food when the working parent lost employment.

 “The grim reality is that we are finding whanau (lower income, middle income, working or not working) simply don’t have enough money for necessities including food,” said Kathy Mardon, Chair of Nelson Community Foodbank.

“One of our agencies reports that they may be servicing up to 160 whanau at any one time and are finding many of those who are in work have had their hours cut or even lost their jobs.

“Any additional costs negatively impact their ability to buy enough food. The cost of living is becoming unmanageable.

“Additionally, we are regularly receiving calls from whanau for food parcels who are not eligible through our service. This has significantly increased.”

The Nelson Community Foodbank recently received funding from the Top of the South Community Foundation (TSCF) said its executive officer, Nettie Stowe.

“Too many families are having to make very hard decisions around spending and too often there is not enough food to provide an adequate diet, especially for children. That’s why the work of the Foodbank is crucial to so many families and individuals and why the Foundation is happy to help with funding,” said Stowe.

Mardon said often the arrival of a paid delivery driver from Nelson Foodbank became a lifeline to those experiencing food poverty in the community.    

 “One client with serious health issues requiring multiple hospital visits received a delivered food parcel for her family.  She is under 40, uses a walking frame and cannot drive. 

“A super-annuitant living alone with no transport, was referred to the foodbank by a visiting health worker.  He was recovering at home and needed a food parcel to boost his meagre diet.  

“A new young mum with a premature baby and English as second language was without transport. She greatly appreciated a home food delivery. Her husband was working during the day on a minimal income. “These are just a few of the families the foodbank is able to help,” said Mardon. 

It took very little to tip family resources into the negative, she said. The increased cost of power in winter impacted finances. If a washing machine broke down, the extra cost of the laundromat meant there was little money for food. 

Medical costs, purchasing a birth certificate, increased travel costs to seek care for a sick child and even school holidays caused financial hardship.

“During the school holidays additional whanau visiting households increases need, along with lunch having to be provided, where this may usually be provided in school.”

One of the foodbank drivers has been working with a whanau impacted by job losses and housing issues.

“Being able to give a food parcel has ensured the three children are fed and that there are some staples in the pantry. This has taken off some stress from the parents as they try to navigate job finding as well as housing.”

 Another driver said; “the fact that the food bank is able to give such a good amount of food staples has really made a difference to one family. It was uncomfortable for this whanau to accept a food parcel at first as they had always been employed and self-sufficient. But it meant a little less stress for a couple of weeks.

“It is the old adage that you never know when your circumstances may change, and you may need to accept help such as food.”

To find out more about Nelson Community Foodbank or to donate go to: https://www.nelsoncommunityfoodbank.org.nz/