Foodbank

The Mission's Foodbank is an emergency service that operates throughout the year to assist people who are struggling to feed themselves and their families.  It is a last resort rather than a first option for those seeking help.

When the need is appropriately assessed, food parcels are given as supplementary food assistance.  The Foodbank is also available to clients of other Mission programmes.

Food parcels are given out in four different categories:

• Single Adult
• Small Family
• Medium Family
• Large Family

Every applicant is assessed before a parcel is granted.  If someone comes back for a third food parcel, then a further interview is conducted to assess the problems that are leading to the need for a food parcel, and the applicant is invited to join one of The Mission's programmes.  If none of The Mission's programmes are appropriate, then the client is invited to join a programme offered by another social service provider.  Of the 370 monthly food parcels The Mission gives out, approximately half are given to regular clients working towards full independence.

Each food parcel is designed to supply basic staples lasting 7 days.  The Mission is entirely reliant on donated food to keep the Foodbank going and on average up to $250,000 worth of food is received each year.  Often this is shared with other foodbanks, especially around annual mid-year and Christmas food appeals.

The Mission is an active member of the Wellington Region Coalition of Foodbanks, and attends regular meetings to share information, resources and to minimise duplication.

The Mission also acts on behalf of the Wellington City Council in distributing food support through the Mayor's Metropolitan Relief Fund to those in need.  During the year, major appeals such as the 'Brown Paper Bag' appeal held in mid-winter, and the Christmas 'Pack the Bus' campaign are held to replenish our supplies and that of other foodbanks.  However, it is regular donations from individuals, churches and corporates that supply the bulk of our food, and for these donations, we are genuinely grateful.

At the moment, we are incredibly short of the following items:

Baked Beans

Tinned Spaghetti

Tinned Fish

Tinned Fruit

Tinned Vegetables

Cereals

Soup

Meals in a can

Spreads

If you were able to donate all of these items, we estimate the current value would only be $20.  Can you help us?

For more information, or to talk about making a donation of our most needed grocery essentials, please contact:

Sharon Howlett
Social Worker

Phone: 04-380 1828
sharon@wgtncitymission.org.nz