Masterton Foodbank in high demand

Masterton Food Bank volunteers Lyn Tankersley (left) and Janet Atkinson (right).

Record numbers of food parcels were given out to needy Masterton families in the first month of this year and demand hasn't slowed, says foodbank co-ordinator Lyn Tankersley.

In January alone, Masterton Foodbank distributed 189 food parcels and in May 175 were handed out. Normally, between 100 to 140 are given out monthly.

Mrs Tankersley said many families were struggling; some unnecessarily because help was available.

"We are experiencing an upturn in food parcels ... this year has been one of the highest on record. We were closed public holidays in January yet we had the highest demand ever for food parcels in January this year. 189 food parcels is the biggest ... a record in 24 years of the foodbank in Masterton."

To help the needy, rather than being just the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff, the agency was "going back to the old way" and only taking clients referred by other agencies.

Those needing a food parcel must now be referred by an agency like budget advice or Work and Income.

This offered a wrap around service, ensuring people were getting the help needed and provided accountability to the community, Mrs Tankersley said.

"We have a lot of people self-referring. They are coming back because they aren't getting the help they need ... they are bypassing the agencies where they could get budgeting help and other financial advice. They need some sort of back up from an agency who have a list of things they can do ... we want the Masterton community to be more accountable for the poverty out there. We want to help make that happen. There is a lot of unnecessary poverty out there. The demand for people requiring services is huge."

Agencies like Wairarapa Free Budget Advice Service's Grant Howard offered amazing support and practical help for people and families struggling, she said. "The budget guy there is just awesome but they are run off their feet."

Meanwhile, volunteers at the foodbank need practical help to feed the hungry.

People can drop off supplies and there is a need for fresh fruit and vegetables.

Wairarapa College students recently helped fill the pantry at the foodbank and many people generously helped out, Mrs Tankersley said.

"We are grateful. We can only give it if it comes in."

The foodbank is open Monday to Friday between 11.30am and 12.30pm, phone (06) 370 8034.