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• PSN Foodbank

Empty Shelves Reflect Tough Times

While demand for food parcels from the Presbyterian Support Northern’s (PSN) Foodbank steadily increase, donations and funding streams are dwindling.

Demand for food parcels from the PSN Foodbank doubled this last December compared to parcels delivered in December the previous year, with 225 parcels distributed to struggling families in the Auckland region.

 

Funding from the ASB trust, who historically have been the Foodbank’s major funding stream, was declined due to the economic climate greatly reducing the funds available for distribution.

 

Roy Rennie, PSN’s Foodbank Coordinator, has noticed that food donations from businesses and individuals, while still coming in, contain a lower volume of food per donation.

 

“Our regular donors are still faithfully donating through these tough times, but we have noticed that the amount of food being given is less than usual.”

 

“Most bulk donations are given by food manufacturers because the foods are close to reaching their expiry dates, however stock levels are now being more tightly monitored to reduce the amount of wastage,” comment Mr Rennie.

 

Saint Kentigerns and Saint Cuthbert’s, two Presbyterian Schools, generously give donated food each year, and the Foodbank is looking forward to their first food drive in a month or two, but will struggle to meet current demand.

 

In 2008 the Presbyterian Support Northern Foodbank prepared and distributed 1,775 food parcels which helped feed 3,650 children. The average value of each food parcel given is $117 – half of which comes from donated food; the other half is made up of food purchased by the Foodbank. The Foodbank is supported entirely by fundraising.

 

Each parcel is tailor-made to individual needs, including age and dietary requirements. Typically they include staples such as bread, butter, milk, cheese, some cans of tinned food, pasta, rice, breakfast cereal, spreads, soap and toilet paper.

 

Any monetary gifts or donations of non-perishable staple food items or basic household items to the Foodbank are welcomed.

 

The Foodbank operates Monday to Friday from 9am till 12 noon.

 

 

For more information about donating to the Foodbank, please contact:

 

Maureen Little

Ph: 09 837 9062

Mob: 027 563 1026

Email: maureen.little@psn.org.nz

 

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