The Salvation Army's secretary for social services, Major Pamela Waugh, acknowledged the donated goods would go to homes that needed a helping hand these holidays.
"Household budgets are stretched by rising living costs, especially for rent and power,'' she said.
"With Christmas around the corner, food parcels are a great way to help reduce the stress on families who are doing it tough.''
Salvation Army's community engagement manager, Rhondda Middleton said their food banks were a much-needed place for many families around Christmas time.
"Low income families really struggle at this time of the year and so to be able to cook a nice meal for the family is such a great thing.
"We're just absolutely delighted in the response to the campaign and the schools involved.''
The Cans for Good Campaign also encouraged students to learn about charity work and exactly how their canned foods would be used to help others.
Schools also came up with creative ways to show off their donated cans in a picture, shape or low-level can structure.
Among schools involved this year was Eastern Hutt School, in Lower Hutt.
Principal Julie Henderson said the campaign helped to connect students and their families to their community.
"It helps develop the awareness of others in our community and generates a positive spirit when we all combine our efforts to help others in need.''
