In response to the mounting financial pressures on local families, Pāpāmoa Food Hub has introduced the “Struggle Street” campaign, a new “payday poverty” initiative designed to provide crucial support to those facing food insecurity.

With the cost of living on the rise, including higher mortgage interest rates and rent, many working families in Pāpāmoa are struggling to make ends meet and are often unable to provide enough food for their loved ones.

Unfortunately, pride and embarrassment frequently prevent these families from seeking the help they need.

“We understand the hidden struggles faced by working families,” says Pāpāmoa Food Hub founder Bruce Banks.

“Our goal with the ‘Struggle Street’ campaign is to create a safe space where working families can access nutritious food without feeling ashamed or embarrassed.”

Western Bay of Plenty Neighbourhood Support manager and Pāpāmoa Food Hub founder Bruce Banks. Photo: John Borren/SunLive.

Since its launch in January 2024, Pāpāmoa Food Hub has been providing significant aid to local families through generous food parcels.

These parcels, designed to support a family of four for three days, include breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and some pantry staples. Each parcel also features a few treats and all the necessary ingredients and simple recipes for nutritious main meals.

"I just want to say a massive thank you to the dedicated team of volunteers who operate the Pāpāmoa Food Hub," says Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford.

"The work they do has a really positive impact for those who need that extra bit of support in our local community."

Pāpāmoa Food Hub operates with the help of a dedicated team of volunteers and is sustained by donations and community support.

“Pāpāmoa Food Hub has only been operating since January 2024, and we are deeply grateful for the support from our community,” says Bruce.

The volunteers work tirelessly to make deliveries and ensure that families receive the help they need.

Pak’n’Save Pāpāmoa owner Rob McGregor with Bruce Banks. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

Currently, the Hub delivers food parcels every Thursday, with plans to expand this service to additional days in the future.

Special thanks are extended to Pak’n’Save Pāpāmoa and its owners, Rob and Lisa McGregor, for their generous support as Platinum Partners.

The “Struggle Street” campaign focuses on providing discreet and compassionate assistance during the last few days of a pay period, a time often referred to as “Payday Poverty.”

Food parcels ready to be delivered to families. Photo: Supplied.

The initiative aims to raise awareness about the unseen challenges faced by many working families and encourages community involvement through spreading the word, donating, or volunteering.

“Pāpāmoa Food Hub is a community-driven organisation dedicated to alleviating food insecurity. We believe that everyone deserves access to nutritious meals, regardless of their circumstances. Our discreet and compassionate approach ensures that families receive the support they need without judgment or stigma,” says Bruce.

How the “Struggle Street” campaign works

• Discreet Support: Pāpāmoa Food Hub provides discreet and compassionate food support during the last few days of a pay fortnight, commonly known as “Payday Poverty.”
• Raising Awareness: The campaign aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by hardworking families behind closed doors.
• Community Involvement: Spread the word, donate, or volunteer to make a difference.
• Visit our website at papfoodhub.org.nz for more information.

“No one should go hungry,” says Bruce.

“Together, we can alleviate ‘Payday Poverty’ and ensure that every family has access to the nutritious meals they need.”

Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford at the Pāpāmoa Food Hub depot. Photo: Supplied.

"I applaud the Pāpāmoa Food Hub team for their ‘Struggle Street’ initiative," says Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford.

"I recognise that times are tough at the moment and a number of hardworking families in Pāpāmoa are struggling to make ends meet, so it is great that these services are available to people in our community when needed."

For more information about the “Struggle Street” campaign or to get involved, visit Pāpāmoa Food Hub website papfoodhub.org.nz.  There is also a GiveaLittle page to enable people to support the organisation.