Food bank demand is increasing in North Canterbury
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury’s food banks are struggling to meet demand as Christmas approaches.
Food banks across the Hurunui and Waimakariri districts have seen a significant increase in food parcel requests over the last few months, as the realities of high inflation and the housing crisis kick in.
‘‘The cost of living, in particular food and rent, are the main problems facing our clients,’’ Social Services Waimakariri facilitator Nicki Carter said.
She said the biggest increase was coming from middle income earners struggling with high rents and house prices.
The demand is putting pressure on food banks, which rely on the support of Satisfy Food Rescue and donations from the public and local businesses.
Food Secure North Canterbury was established during the 2020 Covid lockdown, as a collaboration between the Hurunui and Waimakariri councils, food banks and Satisfy Food Rescue.
Satisfy Food Rescue distribution co-ordinator Michelle Campbell said the Oxford and Districts Lions Club played a valuable role in supplying fresh produce to distribute as part of the Food Secure North Canterbury network.
Oxford Community Trust co-ordinator Jo Ealam said the support from individuals, local businesses and Satisfy Food Rescue had been invaluable.
‘‘I am grateful for each food bank that can help families in need, no-one should go hungry.’’
The Hurunui district’s three food banks are distributing about 175 boxes of food out to families each month.
This rose to more than 250 during this year’s Covid outbreak.
Satisfy Food Rescue recently established a food hub in Waipara to serve the Hurunui district and reduce the pressure on its Kaiapoi base, thanks to funding sourced from the Ministry of Social Development.
‘‘Our foodbank people are unsung heroes in our community,’’ Hurunui District Council community activator Roger Hornblow said.
Community Wellbeing North Canterbury’s Kaiapoi food bank has distributed more than 1500 food parcels so far this year, compared to 548 last year.
Satisfy Food Rescue processes an average of 22.6 tonnes of food each month or about 1 tonne a day.
It supports 37 organisations throughout North Canterbury and Christchurch, including food banks, education facilities, community meal providers and community organisations.
The food banks are hoping the Property Brokers ‘Toot for Tucker’ Christmas Food Drive on Tuesday, December 6, in Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Oxford, Woodend and Amberley, will give them the boost they need before the festive season.
■ Anyone with surplus produce or wanting to donate food to food banks, can contact Krysten at Food Secure North Canterbury on email:
foodsecurenorthcanterbury@gmail.com.
■ Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
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Hero
“I was born and raised in war. To be honest, those are not good memories.
I really like Iran, and I really miss it, but I couldn’t be myself there. Even though my family didn’t like my decision, I left Iran. I promised myself that I would do whatever I can for all communities, especially for the kids, so they do not have the same experience I had.
I studied software engineering in Iran and left in 2006. I went to Malaysia and stayed in Kuala Lumpur for seven years. I was admitted to Lincoln University to do my PhD here, but unfortunately, I couldn’t afford the expenses. I requested a scholarship, but they told me I had to be there for six months first. So, I stayed in Malaysia and did my PhD in network security. In December 2013, I came to New Zealand with a work visa.
It took me a while to connect with the Iranian community here. I volunteered with the Multicultural Council, SPCA, and community patrol, and I established the Christchurch Iranian Society in 2017. Before that, I started working on Radio Toranj, the only Farsi-language radio show in New Zealand.
One of the reasons I started organizing cultural events was to showcase Iranian culture. I wanted to show people that we have delicious food, colorful dresses, traditional customs, and our own instruments. My hope was to show people that we are not what you see in the media.
I am working to involve all the communities that celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, in the Nowruz festival in March 2025. We want to share this celebration not only with our community but with the public as well. It’s better when it’s shared.
I remember the first time someone from Dunedin called me and asked, Hero, can you help? Something happened, and they keep declining Iranian visa applications. When I heard that, I felt insulted. We are still human, so how can they do that?
Through this journey, I’ve learned a lot. Every single day, people with different cases call me, and I try to share my knowledge and guide them as much as I can.
I have received several awards, including the Christchurch Civic Award and an Award of Recognition for my contributions to the community during the pandemic. In 2021, I established Canterbury Kia Ora Academy, a charitable trust. Through this charity, I can help other communities as well, not just the Iranian community.”
- Hero
View more stories, or nominate someone: @humansofchch
www.humansofchch.org......
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