Many people are referred to the foodbank through Work and Income but Rotorua Salvation Army commanding officer Major Bill Millar said it was mainly through word of mouth that people found out about it.
Mr Millar said the foodbank was constantly in demand, and the state of it could change very quickly from having enough in the cupboards to being in desperate need.
"At the moment we are pretty good and I'm delighted to say people have been off the mark fast and there have already been some Christmas donations."
However he said that could quickly change and the organisation relied on the generosity of locals to meet the demand ahead of Christmas and well into the New Year, when the bills from Christmas rolled in and there were extra pressures such as the costs of the new school year.
"Rotorua is a city with a lovely beating heart."
While this is his first Christmas appeal, Mr Millar said he had discovered the appeal was a well-entrenched part of the community.
"When the thing isn't even launched yet and people are coming in ... that's so exciting."
He said a lot of people found Christmas a stressful time.
"While Christmas is supposed to be a time of goodwill, cheer and everything bright and tinselly it doesn't always work out like that."
Mr Millar said the foodbank helped to bridge the "huge gulf" between those who had enough, and those who were being left behind.
"This caring helps to say we are all one ... we are all in this together."
Mayor Steve Chadwick is also backing the Christmas appeal.
"Show our community caring by donating food to help those who struggle to put food on the table for their own.
"Every little bit adds up and makes a difference and gives families something to share. Thanks wonderful Rotorua."
- For video of Mr Millar talking about the cause see www.rotoruadaily-post.co.nz.
