He said many mothers were choosing not to send kids to school because they don't have lunch for them.
A concern for Mr Rolton is homeware trucks targeting poorer areas, and said if people were able to better understand the contracts they are entering into, they would avoid being charged excessive amounts for goods.
A 12 pack of baked beans can sell for up to $40, Mr Rolton said. Many families struggle to read or understand what they are signing.
The over-priced products and quickly accumulating additional fees mean families on an already tight income or benefit cannot make ends meet, but the purchases are made due to convenience as many lack transport.
Both St Vincent de Paul and Methodist City Action have seen an increase in those attending for free meals, particularly women.
Methodist City Action director Catherine Hodges said in the four years she had been working with City Action she had seen an increase from around 5 per cent attendance by women to more than 20 per cent. Neither Mr Rolton or Ms Hodges could determine why there had been an increase in women attending meals or why there has been an increase in demand for school lunches.
"We've had 83 turn up and we were almost out of food. The concern for me is the number of elderly women and women coming to Friday lunch," Mr Rolton said.
"They are hungry and cold. A lot live in flats, most single males are homeless because they get $210 with rent at over $100 per week. There isn't much left."
Mr Rolton said St Vincent de Paul's FullFill van provides free mobile meals in Dinsdale, Melville, Frankton, Fairfield, and Enderley every week night.
The van too had reported a higher attendance.
Currently it services 520 people per week but a study is underway to assess the feasibility of a second truck.
Each family is provided with a dozen eggs, bread, long life milk, and seasonal vegetables when they come to the van, but he said a major issue was overcrowding in homes.
St Vincent de Paul assists many agencies in the city including Winz, Kirikiriroa Family Start, Age Concern, Women's Wellness, Waikato District Health Board, and women's and men's night shelters.
They raise 80 per cent of their own funds and run a budgeting service Tuesday-Thursday each week along with other community programmes.
While St Vincent de Paul has a team of dedicated volunteers, they need more. If you're interested in volunteering your time, contact them on 847 4044.