More than 20,000 people in the western Bay of Plenty are looking for support to put food on the table in a “concerning” shift towards longer-term help.

The volume of need isn’t slowing; it’s stretching, and those who once only needed a few days’ food to tide them over, now need a full week of support.

Tauranga Community Foodbank general manager Nicki Goodwin said the service had supported 23,618 people over the past year, and distributed 9520 kai packages.

Those helped included more than 11,000 children, and 27% of people supported had never used the foodbank service before.

“What’s more concerning, though, is the number of people needing a full week, as opposed to four days,” Goodwin said.

She told the Bay of Plenty Times there had been a 145% increase in people requiring a full week of food support since last year.

“I just think it shows what a narrow ledge people are balancing on.”

Christmas Appeal launched

On Saturday the Bay of Plenty Times began its annual six-week Christmas Appeal for the Tauranga Community Foodbank.

The appeal has raised $1.3 million and nearly $600,000 worth of groceries for the foodbank over 14 years. Donations during the appeal represent anywhere from 30-60% of those the organisation receives annually.

Supported by The Hits Bay of Plenty 95.0FM and SunLive, the appeal aims to replenish the foodbank’s shelves, offer Christmas treats for people who may otherwise have none and boost the foodbank’s coffers for the new year.

Last year’s appeal saw a record-breaking $316,904.17 in donations – $220,586.17 cash and 32,106 food items. The foodbank values each item at an average $3, totalling $96,318 worth of food.

Tauranga Community Foodbank has supported 23,618 people over the past year, with a total of 9520 kai packages distributed. Photo / Kaitlyn Morrell

“It’s our lifeblood for food and connects us with the community,” Goodwin said of the appeal.

The foodbank covers the area from Pahoia to Pāpāmoa East.

Goodwin said budgets were tight, and when people faced an unexpected expense, there was often no money left for groceries.

“If we were just to give four days of food, what would happen for the other three days? That’s why we’re making sure we’re meeting the week-long need.”

She said a full week of food support was nearly double the usual volume provided.

“That’s quite an extra tax on our resources, but it’s something we can’t ignore.”

Goodwin said the trend came down to cost-of-living increases.

Nicki Goodwin said every dollar and donation received during the Christmas Appeal is stretched as far as possible. Photo / Kaitlyn Morrell

According to Stats NZ, the cost of living for all households increased by 2.4% in the 12 months to September.

For the average household, the cost of electricity increased 11.3% and rent increased 2.6% in the same period.

“People are on a very slender ledge where it doesn’t take much of an increase in one cost to make everything unaffordable,” Goodwin said.

She said the foodbank knew people did not approach them until they had nowhere else to go.

“What that tells us is that there are a lot more people out there who are finding it really tough and are maybe hanging on by the skin of their teeth or going hungry.”

Tauranga Crossing and Tauranga City Libraries are again providing drop-off points for non-perishable food during this year’s appeal.

Perishables and non-perishables can be dropped at the foodbank depot on Brook St near Fraser Cove.

Financial donations can be made directly to the foodbank’s bank account.

The Hits Bay of Plenty team will also be out and about collecting cans to support the appeal, thanks to car dealership Ingham Tauranga.

Why your help is vital

Bay of Plenty Times editor Kim Gillespie said the media played a crucial role in supporting the foodbank and amplifying its message to reach generous locals and help those in need.

“We’re proud to back this worthy cause again this year, especially given the need is greater than ever.

“We know readers will again give generously to our Christmas Appeal, as they have year after year.”

Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale said the foodbank was “vital” to supporting local families doing it tough, especially in the lead-up to Christmas.

“It’s more than just providing food, it’s about giving people hope and dignity when they need it most.”

He said the generosity of the community and collaboration between local organisations made the appeal possible.

“I encourage those in a position to help to please consider supporting this year’s Christmas Foodbank Appeal. Every contribution, big or small, makes a real difference.”

The foodbank runs with more than 75 volunteers rostered each week, and this grows to 100 per week in the lead-up to Christmas. Photo / Kaitlyn Morrell

Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell acknowledged the work of the foodbank’s volunteers and said he was “proud” of what they were doing for others.

“The magical connections between volunteers and those in need provide food relief for over 25,000 people each year, and social support in many other ways too.”

The foodbank runs with more than 75 volunteers rostered each week, and this number will grow to 100 in the lead-up to Christmas.

Uffindell said the generosity of the Tauranga community meant families who thought they could not afford to celebrate Christmas would have the opportunity to share the festive season.

“Whatever you donate, just imagine the smiles that you’ve helped create this Christmas.”

Financial donations received throughout the six-week appeal are put towards staple foods, and help the foodbank get through the New Year as well.

“Everyone here is in high spirits during Christmas to mask the reality at times of how many people truly need our help,” Goodwin said.

“When we get $1 donated, we treat it like it’s $100, so we will try and make that dollar go as far as it can, to make the most of someone’s donation.”

Kaitlyn Morrell is a multimedia journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has lived in the region for several years and studied journalism at Massey University.