Big demand for food parcels says Trust

JULIA WADE

Throughout the multi-levels of lockdown, people reaching out for help from Mangawhai’s leading food parcel provider has mushroomed as residents struggle under Covid-19 work restrictions.

As members of the Community Response Team working in collaboration with Civil Defence, St John, police and the fire brigade, community social advocacy organisation Te Whai Community Trust has seen demand for their Aroha food baskets increase five-fold. Since Level 4 lockdown commenced numbers have risen from the usual two-three parcels per week to two-three a day, board member Isabel Hollis says.

“We’re seeing a wide group of people needing a hand, young families, elderly, those who’ve recently become unemployed or seen a downturn in their business and the vulnerable from health or lifestyle choices,” she says. “We are available to provide food baskets to any member of the community who finds it difficult at the present time to feed themselves and/or their families.”

To help fill the food bank pantry, Te Whai has received two lots of specific funds: $5000 from both Northland Regional Council’s Civil Defence Emergency Covid-19 Community Support Fund, and from Ministry of Social Development Emergency Response Fund.

“In addition to government funding we have also received some generous donations of both money and goods from members of the community, and we are also working collaboratively with the Mangawhai Community Gardens to add fresh veggies to the food parcels.”

‘Easy recipes’ using most of the ingredients in the Aroha food basket along with an essential list of organisations and contacts for those seeking more help and support, are also included.

“Our latest news blog this week features local recipes from the Mangawhai Garden and other local foodies as well as our own tried and true recipes and more, which can all be found on our website,” Hollis says. “Lastly, we are on the lookout for fresh fruit, so if anyone has any extra falling from their trees, please give us a call or send a message on our Facebook. We can collect.”

Te Whai also want to encourage the community to nominate people who are struggling but for various reasons do not reach out for help. Callers who nominate others can choose to remain anonymous. However due to strict protocols outlined by Civil Defence and St John, those receiving a food parcel need to provide a contact phone number for the purposes of contact tracing.

“If you wouldn’t normally ask, and you’re having a tough time right now, please know that you don’t have to be in dire need to access our Aroha Basket food parcels,” Hollis says. “So if you find that you just need a little extra support this week, please give us a call.”

§ For more info about food parcels, recipes or how to help, visit tewhaicommunitytrust.co.nz or call on 021 0247 8003.

Feeding families. Pictured from left, Te Whai Community Trust’s Helen Price, projects manager Kiri Eriwata, Michelle Jago, Isabel Hollis, Pauline Mann and Sue Poynter. Absent: Donna Flavell.

“Please don’t be afraid to ask for help… that’s what we are here to do.”