New start for bin scavenger

A new life awaits the Masterton woman who fed her children with food she scavenged from dumpsters outside supermarkets.

The woman, who doesn't wish to be identified, and her three children are moving to Flaxmere in the New Year to live closer to her parents who have supported the family financially since recognising her story through the Times-Age last month.

Making the choice to move wasn't easy in one sense but was necessary, she said. "My kids have been through enough in the past year or so and I didn't want to whip them away from their school and friends but really we do need the support. Without my family I'd be lost. I know that now."

She started collecting food from the bins outside supermarkets after her husband left two years ago following a failed business during the recession. Once the bills were paid, her benefit only left her with $45 to buy food and other needs for her children like clothing, shoes, school trips and fees, medical costs and car running costs. After the Times-Age wrote about her situation, the community offered her support and food.

Her parents recognised her from the story and came to her rescue. The woman hadn't told her family of their plight as she thought they would be angry because her marriage had failed.

"I know I should have gone to them but I made my bed as a teenager when I married and had a family. I didn't want to burden them but now I won't make that mistake again. I know they are there for us. This is the beginning of a new pathway for us now. I just want my kids to be happy and fed."

However, she worries about the many other families stuck in the same situation she found herself in. "There are far too many people struggling. Far too many children going to bed hungry at night. I worry because I know many don't have anyone to turn to and this Government isn't helping them. It's leaving it up to communities and bins outside supermarkets to feed them. When are they going to take responsibility for those less fortunate? Life is just becoming harder for many to cope with. It worries me so much because of the kids. Our future is these kids."

Meanwhile, she'd like to wish everyone who offered her support, especially a Carterton butchery who gave her meat, a "very Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year".

"Thank you so much for caring. We are going to miss this community so much. Masterton is the best place to raise a family."