Lavish Christmas fare and presents won't be on everybody's menu this year judging by shocking statistics released by the Salvation Army.
Food parcel request have shot up 25 per cent in Whanganui so far this year with demand expected to be even greater heading into the festive season.
Salvation Army head of social services Major Pam Waugh said thousands of New Zealand families are living in desperate need and poverty doesn't take a break at Christmas.
"This level of poverty, and the stress and heartache it brings can't be justified," says Major Waugh.
"How can we sit down to a nice Christmas Day meal, surrounded by loved ones, knowing there are thousands of families without anything to eat, let alone gifts under the tree?"