Foodbank demand soars in lockdown
Over June and July the manager at the local foodbank, Kai Collective Te Awaroa, starting stockpiling supplies in anticipation another lockdown was on the cards.
Her foresight paid off. When the latest lockdown was announced the demand for food parcels soared, shooting up to 93 parcels during the busiest week, instead of the usual 50 before lockdown.
Overall, there’s been a 40 per cent increase in demand in August and September compared to June and July.
Throw into that the biggest local flood in recent memory and the first week of lockdown was an exercise in tenacity. Food bank volunteers couldn’t get through on packing day, supplies from New World Kumeū were stranded, and there were extra requests for food parcels to help those flood-affected families, but the the team stepped up and met the challenge all while working with half the number of usual volunteers and meeting strict health and safety COVID requirements.
“The floods hit some of our most vulnerable incredibly hard,” says Kai Collective Manager Gemma Donaldson, “but when we were facing logistical challenges of getting supplies in because of the floods, other suppliers in Helensville stepped in.”
Indeed, the community response to support those in need at this time has been admirable.
Just before lockdown, the Kai Collective Te Awaroa launched a Midwinter Appeal, setting itself a lofty $10,000 target.
“It was great to have that online platform up and running because once we were in lockdown we were forced to buy in lots more food than we usually would because the donations we usually rely on weren’t able to get through, particularly the fresh produce we receive weekly from Paremoremo Prison and in the first couple of weeks the amount of rescued food we get from Fair Food and Kiwiharvest,” Gemma Donaldson explains.
Seven weeks after the Midwinter Appeal was launched it had smashed the $10,000 goal with donations totalling $11,521.
“For some people it meant a $10 donation, for others it was $1000, but every little bit counts and it was really humbling to see the community rally at a time of need and prove that we really do look out for one another.”
Kai Collective Te Awaroa Manager, Gemma Donaldson, prepping kai packs.
Each of the weekly emergency kai pack contains four bags containing fresh produce, meat, dairy, pantry staples and all the ingredients and recipes needed to make three easy, nutritious family meals per week. Those who received parcels over lockdown will have enjoyed lemon risotto, vegetable soup, leek frittata, Margherita pizza and bolognese.
Cath Rameka is an advocate for Te Ha Oranga, one of local social service agencies which refers clients to the Kai Collective for support when times are tough.
“Some of our whānau have found this lockdown much tougher than other ones but when I drop off one of Gemma’s amazing kai packs it’s humbling to see the gratitude and relief in their eyes,” she says. “The packs really do make a huge difference and offer hope and let people know they are cared about.”
Gemma Donaldson also wants to pay particular mention to Te Runanga o Ngāti Whatua, Helensville Lions Club, New World Kumeū, Parakai Four Square and Countdown Helensville as well as all the other many local businesses who have supplied donations of food over lockdown.
Kindred Family Services is proud to be one of the social service agencies which make up the Kai Collective Te Awaroa.