"This year because some of our whanau have been clients of the foodbank we decided we would launch a '200 Cans of Kai with Aroha' project which would benefit the entire community of Tauranga Moana," Ms Wilson said.
"When we asked the foodbank manager what they needed most, we were told cans of fruit so that's what we decided to collect," she said
The group of Super Gold Card holders, most in their 70s and 80s, told the Bay of Plenty Times Weekend they were only too pleased to help.
One of the group, who did not wish to be named, said the project was all about helping to "fill tummies".
Another kaumatua said she had seen firsthand what some homeless and needy people needed the most.
"That's kai. When things get tight often people use their food money to pay their rent and other bills, and it's especially sad to see children go hungry, " she said.
"My mother used to tell me the best way to a man's heart is through his stomach, and that saying applies to everyone. The way to anyone's heart is through kai," she said.
The group's target of 200 cans was well surpassed and Ms Wilson handed over 243 cans, mainly tins of fruit to the foodbank on Tuesday.
Ms Wilson said the kaumatua always liked to get involved with worthwhile community projects.
"I think Maori are good at opening their hearts to help others because we are givers, and when we see a need we do our best to fill it," one woman said.
Can drive
The Bay of Plenty Times, together with Tauranga Community Foodbank volunteers, will be running a can drive tomorrow in Arataki from 5.30pm.
Volunteers will be visiting homes in the Grenada St area.
Anyone outside this area wishing to contribute can drop their donation to a waiting volunteer at Arataki Park at the same time.