City Mission Whanganui 'beautifully overwhelmed' with donations to annual Food Bank drive

Food bank co-ordinator Linda Taumoeanga with some of last year's food drive collection.

The City Mission Whanganui has been "beautifully overwhelmed" by the support for its 27th annual food drive.

The food drive, organised by the Rotary Clubs of Wanganui, was held on Thursday, October 18, with volunteers collecting donations for the food bank from the community around the city.

"Once again we've been beautifully overwhelmed by the giving from the community," City Mission Whanganui manager Karrie Brown said.

"We really want to say a big thank you to all the volunteers and the community for giving so generously. We feel supported by the community so we can support those in need."

Brown said while there were some fluctuations, demand for the food bank was always there.

"We followed up with some of our clients who were helped by the [Work and Income] winter energy payment," Brown said.

"It did help but the payment stopped at the end of September and it was still cold then so they have been getting some big bills.

"A lot of families have been helped by the extra family tax credits but they only need one big bill like new tyres or a hot water cylinder or their car or washing machine breaks down and they don't have anything spare."

The food bank provided more than food items for people in need.

"It can be anything you would use in your own household," Brown said.

"It could include cleaning products or dishwasher liquid. Fresh eggs are always great so we can include some protein in the parcels and eggs keep well."

People who would like to donate to the Food Bank can deliver items to 7 Park Pl.