Wairarapa food banks are giving out more parcels in the lead-up to Christmas, and helping families who do not usually come forward for a top-up.
Carterton Food Bank co-ordinator Frances Archer said she had seen many new names on the list this year.
"We have had a lot of first-timers this year and it's a little bit sad because they feel as though they shouldn't be ringing up, that other people may need it more than them, but I always say to them 'that is what we're here for'.
"There are always people we recognise who come a lot, but recently there has been new people, as a lot more people are happy to access the food bank."
She said the food bank was well stocked after the recent food drive, but the number of food parcels given out had been rising.
"In October we gave out nine and November we gave out 17, so it jumped quite a bit, and so far this month we've given out seven, so it's building up."
Masterton food bank co-ordinator Maureen Potts said she had also given out parcels to those who would not normally need them, but the demand remained steady.
"I expect it will pick up in the next two weeks - we're bracing ourselves for the rush, but you never really know from one day to the next.
"February is usually the time when it gets really busy after Christmas and when the kids are going back to school, so we're bracing ourselves for that too."
She said the food bank gave out 129 parcels last month and was giving out about seven a day so far this month.
Those who cannot afford Christmas dinner or find themselves alone on Christmas Day can book in now for the annual Christmas dinner at the Masterton Town Hall, which starts at 11am, organised by the Masterton Community Church, by calling Caroline on (06) 3771598.
Co-ordinator Lyn Patterson said the menu would include a fruit cocktail for an appetiser, ham off the bone, chicken, beef, roast potatoes, pumpkin, peas and carrots for main, and Christmas pudding, pavlova, fruit, cream and Christmas cake.
"We'll have the Santa visit, and entertainment throughout the day, and when people book they must tell us if they have children, whether they are boys or girls, and their ages so Santa knows what to bring them."
The dinner caters for 150 people and those who wish to donate books for Christmas gifts for the children can drop them off at Hedley's Booksellers on Queen St, Masterton.