Just Zilch hits milestone

COMMUNITY: Just Zilch founder Rebecca Culver and some of her 70 active volunteers. PHOTO: KARLA KARAITIANA

Free supermarket Just Zilch will be reaching their six-year milestone in June but, with demand for their services on the increase, the need for added support is growing.

With an aim to rescue food and feed the people, Just Zilch founder Rebecca Culver says that over those years they have gone from an average of 80 people to about 208 through the doors each day.

"I think it has been a combination of things. People understanding what we do here and that we exist. Our new location has helped with accessibility and most of all, the amount of people needing our services has dramatically increased."

Ms Culver says what she finds amazing is they still manage to acquire enough food to give to the increased numbers walking through their doors.

"We are so grateful to all of our suppliers of which there are too many to name. We are still here because of the amazing support that we get.

"Their ongoing support means that we can take food that would otherwise go to waste and ensure that nobody in Palmerston North has to go hungry."

However, with more people seeking the services of Just Zilch, the pressure to keep up with the funding needed to operate is always pushed.

"We recognise that people want to support us so we thought -- let's just put it out there and show people that it is an option."

The new sign up sponsorship 'Friends of Just Zilch' was then established for those wanting to contribute regularly, allowing them to give $10 a month.

"I tried to think of an amount that most people could afford but would make a real difference to keeping us up and running for years to come."

Ms Culver says they appreciate all contributions from plastic bags for packing groceries and excess fruit and vegetables from people's gardens, to buying an entertainment book through them.

"Every little bit helps. If you feel like there is something you can do for those in need, then do it."

She says despite a few sceptics, people are generally supportive of what Just Zilch offers the community.

"We love being able to provide this service in our city. We are filling a gap that is desperately needed and if by reducing waste, we are helping people, what can be bad about that?"

For more information on Just Zilch and how to contribute go to justzilch.org.nz.