Very big thanks from the food bank

BEST YET: Masterton Food Bank volunteers Janet Atkinson (left) and Lyn Tankersley delighted with the boxes of food after a successful annual food bank drive.

Masterton Food Bank volunteers have called Wednesday's annual appeal the best they've ever had.

Volunteer Lyn Tankersley said enough food had been donated to keep cupboards partially stocked until about May next year and with the shelves down to the "bare bones" last week it's come just in time.

"It's just absolutely fantastic. I think it was the best appeal that we've ever had.

"We want to thank all the people who donated and if they missed out they can still donate at the library and supermarkets in Masterton," she said.

The shelves were now fully stocked and the food bank's back room was filled with extra boxes of food.

"I knew it was a good collection but you don't [fully] know until you see the back room, it was overflowing."

She said food bank volunteers, fire and ambulance staff and Rotary collectors had gathered at the Masterton Fire Station to organise the food, on Wednesday night, in the rain. "The rain didn't dampen our enthusiasm though."

Volunteer Jane Milne was spotted on Cole St with helpers Gracie Donaldson, Bella Milne and Emily Greenfield, going from door to door.

"People have been giving us lots of stuff," said Emily.

Gracie said it was "really fun" running up and down the street.

Masterton Food Bank co-ordinator Maureen Potts said the number of people needing food parcels was increasing, with the food bank giving out about 160 parcels a month. "The numbers have increased, this year's been a lot busier than last year was and it continues this way sadly."

Ms Potts said the food bank would have had to have spent about $25,000 to restock the nearly bare shelves without the drive.

"To the community of Masterton we say a big thank you, to all those that volunteered they certainly deserve a good pat on the back because without them it wouldn't happen."

The Wairarapa appeal, which began 13 years ago as a partnership between Masterton South Rotary and the Masterton Fire Service, is now a Wairarapa-wide initiative, supported by Rotary and emergency services over the region.