Sallies’ food bank shelves need filling

MOTHER HUBBARD'S CUPBOARD: Salvation Army captain Kevin Waugh next to empty shelves at the Gisborne foodbank, which is in need of four items in particular: soup, tea bags, peanut butter and jam. Picture by Liam Clayton

The Salvation Army food bank shelves in Gisborne are short of four items in particular as demand increases over winter months.

Soup, tea bags, peanut butter and jam are needed for food parcels.

Salvation Army national director of community ministries Jono Bell says they try to make sure that each food parcel that goes out is well-balanced.

“Sometimes certain items are missing, and one of the things we need to do is continue to let our donors know what we are needing.”

Mr Bell said the Foodbank Project, run in conjunction with Countdown, for the first time is able to offer fresh produce in food parcels.

Those wanting to donate can go online to www.foodbank.org.nz and chose a particular “bundle” ranging from $19 to $93.

This means certain items can be targeted. For example, a woman’s bundle at $20.58 includes tampons and pads.

Regions can also be targeted.

The Gisborne “bundle” is $20.59 and contains rice, UHT milk, toothpaste, soup, jam and tea bags.

Mr Bell says the Sallies are grateful for all donations and he encourages people to keep donating, as without their support they cannot continue to feed families in need.