Editorial: We can end the hunger

The Hits' Kat Hicks, Paul Hickey, Salvation Army Rotorua Captain Amanda Martin and Rotorua Daily Post reporter Adriana Weber during last year's Christmas Appeal food drive. Photo / Stephen Parker

It seems like just yesterday we hit the streets as part of the Rotorua Daily Post and The Hits food drive, collecting for the Salvation Army foodbank.

In fact, that was in December, and despite residents contributing a massive $44,000 worth of food and gifts through the Christmas appeal, the shelves at the foodbank were this week close to bare.

So far this year the service has helped 1123 "clients" with $150,000 worth of food.

That was up from 893 and $130,000 worth of food during the corresponding period in 2014.

Remember, those "clients" are real people.

The Salvation Army told us the people in need of a hand are not the stereotypical "dole bludgers".

They come from all walks of life: struggling farm workers, families who've taken in troubled children, people between jobs or struck down with the flu and no sick leave, women who've had the guts to get themselves and their children out of abusive relationships and former prisoners struggling to turn their lives around.

In other words, they may be your neighbours, people you pass on the street, parents of your kids' friends.

Yes, there are wider questions on why New Zealanders are ending up so desperate they are forced to swallow their pride and ask for handouts. Poverty is real and if the demand for the Sallies' services is anything to go by, it's only getting worse.

It's something the Government and its agencies need to address. But, for now, we can help make sure no one in Rotorua has to be hungry.

You, the people of Rotorua, have always blown us away with your generosity, whether it's supporting the annual Christmas appeal, families in need or just your random acts of kindness.

If we all had a look in our cupboards and grabbed one or two items of food to donate, imagine how full we could get those foodbank shelves.

It's a small act of kindness that could go a long way.

•Donations can be made at the Rotorua Daily Post Hinemoa St office, the Salvation Army at Community House, Haupapa St, Salvation Church on Old Taupo Rd or its Family Store in Pukuatua St.