Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | News Video | Crime | Employers | Housing | Immigration | Legal | Local Govt. | Maori | Welfare | Unions | Youth | Search

 

Countdown and The Salvation Army appeal for food donations

24 May 2018

Countdown and The Salvation Army appeal for food donations as demand for help surges

Demand for food parcels up around 5 per cent nationally

Last year’s winter saw demand for food parcels rise around 6 per cent in June, July and August

Shoppers encouraged to donate goods in-store and online

Countdown and The Salvation Army have teamed up for their annual Food Rescue Winter Appeal to help stock The Salvation Army’s foodbanks ahead of what could be New Zealand’s busiest winter ever for foodbanks.

More than 30,000 families are expected to need food and other relief from The Salvation Army this winter. Last winter, there was a six per cent increase in demand when compared to 2016. Both Hamilton and Whangarei stood out as areas in particular need, with a 30 per cent and 19.25 per cent increase in demand respectively.

The Appeal runs from today until Sunday 17 June and was set up specifically to help New Zealanders who are struggling to make ends meet during the cold months, when budgets are often incredibly stretched with doctor visits and higher power bills.

Customers can donate food in any Countdown store via the designated purple Food Rescue bins, donate a winter food bundle online via The Foodbank Project, or donate money in-store at the checkout. Donated items are then distributed through The Salvation Army’s community hubs across the country.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

The Salvation Army’s National Secretary for Social Services, Major Pamela Waugh, says the Countdown Food Rescue Winter Appeal for foodbanks is an example of Kiwis supporting one another in times of need.

“Last year we were overwhelmed by the support The Salvation Army received from Countdown’s Food Rescue Appeal. From April to September, we gave out a total of 31,548 food parcels, thanks to the support of communities around New Zealand.

“People across the country are struggling with housing, the onset of winter and the cost of living amongst many other things. It’s great to see everyone come together and donate – all donations, no matter how large or small, mean so much to these families and help to make winter a little more bearable,” says Major Waugh.

The most needed items this winter include:

• Fresh and frozen meat

• Root vegetables and frozen vegetables

• Tinned goods such as spaghetti, soup and tinned fish

• Dairy products including milk and cheese

• Hygiene items

As part of this year’s Appeal, The Foodbank Project will host a new Winter Bundle which can be donated. The bundle is made up of a selection of most needed items, including fresh food such as a frozen chicken, potatoes and cheese; more versatile food such as spaghetti; and hygiene items such as washing powder.

Countdown’s General Manager Corporate Affairs, Kiri Hannifin, says The Salvation Army makes a real difference to the lives of New Zealanders, and winter hits those in need the hardest.

“Each year we’re proud to support The Salvation Army. Our Food Rescue Winter Appeal is a way that everyone can help other New Zealanders during the tough winter months when other expenses take priority.”

The Countdown Food Rescue Winter Appeal is part of Countdown’s ongoing Food Rescue programme which donates around $3.7 million in food each year to food rescue partners, including The Salvation Army, and a further $2.1 million of food scraps to farmers for their animals. Visit Countdown’s website for more information on the Food Rescue programme.

ENDS


© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.