Food donations needed urgently

The cupboards are bare at Downtown Community Ministry’s foodbank and need replenishing fast.

“I’d say we’re in a fairly desperate state” says Director of DCM Stephanie McIntyre describing the current situation of its foodbank shelves.

“We are very low on many of the basic supplies that foodbank clients depend on,” she says.

Most shelves are empty and the last two weeks have seen staff either turning away clients or supplying food parcels that are missing key items.

Essential items that have run out or we are very low on, include: toilet paper, sandwich spreads such as honey and jam, drink sachets, canned vegetables and cereals.

Some of our clients still rough sleep around the city and therefore have less obvious food needs, support worker Graham Anderson says, “Donations of tear tab cans are always appreciated by the guys on the streets.”

He also mentions prepared meals such as pastas and fried rice are very popular for those without the necessary cooking equipment to prepare their food.

“If a good load of donations came through right now we’d hold on till the winter food appeal, but that is still five weeks away,” he says.

Graham is referring to the winter foodbank appeal held in partnership with the coalition of Wellington Foodbanks and Newstalk ZB.

The appeal is scheduled for June 24 and will take place in many participating supermarkets around Wellington.

“It makes a huge difference.

“It’s an awesome way to stock up the shelves over winter and carry us through for the following months. We’re very grateful for people’s support,” says Graham.

Donations of the food items listed above can be dropped into DCM at 75 Taranaki St Wellington.

If you would like to volunteer your time at the food day appeal please make contact with your local coordinator (if you have previously volunteered) or call the DCM office on 384 7699 to find out more.

ENDS

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