Thrifty Hawke's Bay collects food for Salvation Army food bank

Stephen Wallis from the Salvation Army receives donations collected and delivered by Thrifty Hawke's bay staff Jacky Doherty (front left), Rachael Bateman (back) and Lauren Marsh. Photo / Supplied

Thrifty Hawke's Bay has delivered more than 1000 non-perishable food items to the Salvation Army Foodbank.

During Covid-19 the rental car company, which largely relies on tourism, has used its fleet of cars and staff to collect and deliver food donations for the Salvation Army Foodbank.

Owners Grant and Cherie McQuoid didn't want to let the quiet period go to waste and wanted to help the work the Salvation Army does.

Stephen Wallis, community ministries team leader for the Salvation Army in Napier, said there had been a significant increase in demand for food parcels due to the economic impact of Covid-19.

Over 1000 items were donated which Thrifty Hawke's Bay delivered to the Salvation Army. Photo / Supplied

"So many people wanted to get on board leaving their items by their doorsteps or at their letterbox which really highlighted the impact lots of small donations can have on our community," Thrifty branch manager Rachael Bateman said.

The Thrifty van has been operating for the past two weeks collecting items donated by people from all around Napier, delivering 1030 items on Monday.

Social distancing was managed throughout the process and solutions formed.

The mother of a Thrifty staff member collected food from 18 doorsteps while another staff member purchased food on behalf of a community member who had donated $200.