Sallies' dwindling foodbank in dire need of support

Major Bill Millar, Salvation Army Rotorua commanding officer, with the fast-diminishing stock at the foodbank. Photo / Stephen Parker

Rotorua's Salvation Army foodbank is close to running out of food, and is in "desperate need" of the community's help.

Community ministries manager Shelly Fischer said an increase in demand for the service had seen the food supply dwindling.

From January to August it helped 1123 clients and gave $150,000 worth of food out. During the same period last year there were 893 clients and $130,000 worth of food distributed.

"It seems to have gone down a lot quicker this year. We're usually okay to sustain the foodbank until the swap-a-can-for-a-movie-ticket scheme, which is usually at the end of October, start of November, but we won't be able to make it until then."

Sallies' dwindling foodbank in dire need to help restock

Ms Fischer said there was probably just two weeks left before the foodbank would only be able to offer basic dry items like flour, sugar, pasta and rice..

"We can give things out but not something that you can really make a meal with."

Ms Fischer said there had been an increase in domestic-violence victims and people released from jail needing help.

"We've had quite a number who have relocated to Rotorua to escape domestic violence That's been our major increase.

"As well, we have a large number of people that have been in the justice system and are trying to transition back out into mainstream society," she said.

"People come to us when there are absolutely no other options, they will see their family and friends and do anything they can to survive before we see them."

The Salvation Army needed help to continue to help those in desperate need, Ms Fischer said.

"We are dire, we need the community support to be able to keep working and supporting our vulnerable families. The issues out there are more complex than people realise.

"I saw five people last week -- some of them worked on a farm and milking [work] has dried off, another waiting on a contract for work, another who has been in work but got the flu and had no sick leave and another who got injured and has no ACC or benefit ... These people are working and are at crisis point. The perception that those needing help are dole bludgers is totally incorrect."

* The 2014 Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal raised $44,169 worth of food and gifts for the foodbank.

How you can help

* Donate money or non-perishable food items.
* Donations can be made at Rotorua Daily Post's Hinemoa St office between 8am and 5pm weekdays.
* Food donations can also be made at the Salvation Army's Community Ministries at Community House, Haupapa St, the Salvation Army church on Old Taupo Rd or the Family Store in Pukuatua St.