Overstretched food banks turn people away

Overstretched food banks are turning away needy people because of the relentless demand for food parcels.

Demand usually tapers off after the festive season, but a Community Food Bank in the Wairarapa is still putting together 35 parcels a week, and turning people away.

Oasis community support organisation programmes manager Lyn Tankersley, who works closely with the Masterton food bank, said the group was as busy putting parcels together as it was in January.

She said she was turning away up to 10 people a day.

This year the food bank delivered 130 parcels feeding 525 people in January and 136 parcels feeding 538 people in February.

Mrs Tankersley said while some people tried to work the system, the majority of people calling the food bank were desperate.

"I've had people bursting into tears on the telephone," she said.

"When the power bills and rates come in it's always a heavier time for us, but February and March just have not been normal."

Mrs Tankersley said orders for parcels were taken between 8am and noon each day. In previous years people could ring at 11.30am and know a parcel would be there for them.

"Now we're full by 9am," she said.

"It's all sorts of people who are coming in too -- all ages and a lot of single people."

Carterton Community Food Bank also reported it was busier than usual this month.

"People are beginning to manage a bit better, but every week people get more money (from the government), but they just don't budget right," a spokesman said.

People requesting parcels from Masterton food bank are were restricted to receiving three parcels from them a year but can get another three through a budgeting organisation.

Mrs Tankersley said the parcels contained only basic provisions.

"It's enough to get them through until their situation improves."

However, she said the problem was not lack of food.

"The food is there, we just need the volunteers."

The food bank is funded by donations and grants, and gets food collected from supermarkets and shops.

- NZPA