Schools to help with food drive

More than 155 schools from around the country have signed up to take part in Wattie's Cans for Good, a national can collection to help struggling families with food support.
Three Whanganui schools are taking part in the food drive: St Mary's School, Faith City School and Castlecliff School.

With Salvation Army foodbanks around the country low on stock and demand high, the collection and education campaign run by the Sallies in partnership with Wattie's will help restock shelves in the lead-up to Christmas.

The collection will take place from today to November 3, and the cans will go the Salvation Army for use in local foodbanks, helping kindergartens and schools to make a direct and real difference to those in need in their community.

It is the second year of the campaign, which combines collecting for charity with a creative competition and teaching resources designed to engage children and teachers, in a fun, team-based giving and learning experience.

Salvation Army head of social services Pam Waugh said household budgets were stretched by rising living costs, especially for food and rent.

"We're seeing a number of foodbanks throughout the country stretched to meet the demand from people requiring food parcels. Already this year we have seen almost an 11 per cent increase for food parcels from the previous year," said Ms Waugh.

"Christmas is an extremely difficult time for many families, so food donations from Wattie's Cans for Good will make a real difference to New Zealanders when they need it the most," she said.

Last year, the Salvation Army provided more than 58,000 food parcels to help Kiwis in need get back on their feet.