More than a meal: the heart of our foodbank

There’s a special kind of buzz behind the scenes at Presbyterian Support Otago’s foodbank. It’s not just the sound of trolleys rolling or tins clinking – it’s the hum of kindness, the quiet “thank you’s,” and the occasional “oh wow!” when someone sees what’s in their parcel. It’s aroha and manaaki in motion.

This summer, we’re excited to introduce Adam, our new Foodbank Coordinator. He’s hit the ground running – with a grin and a good dose of humility. “We’ll learn together how to put a food parcel together!” He jokes, knowing full well that our incredible volunteers already have it down to a fine art.

Each day, our volunteers get to work preparing ready-to-go bags for singles and couples – the bags are beautifully handmade by local craftspeople to honour the mana of those receiving them – and boxes for families. These are stocked with pantry staples like canned goods, pasta, and rice. When someone comes to collect, we top things off with fresh produce, bread, and chilled items to round out the parcel. There is a trusty list on the wall to help keep things consistent – ensuring every parcel has a good mix of protein, carbs, and veg. If we’ve got flour and eggs for baking, you might just find a packet of sprinkles tucked in too.

We do our best to cater to dietary needs when we can, depending on what’s been donated. While we’re incredibly grateful for the generosity of our community, when supplies run low, we carefully stretch our limited funds to make sure every parcel can genuinely feed a household for three to four days.

The foodbank is often the first step for people – parents trying to feed their kids, individuals doing it tough. But it’s also a gateway to wider support. Many who come through our doors go on to connect with our financial mentors, social workers, mental health, parenting or children’s programmes, or our support group for grandparents raising grandchildren. It’s about more than food – it’s about walking alongside people, building trust, and offering hope.

Our staff put a lot of thought into how to stretch every dollar and every donation, making sure each parcel is practical, nourishing, and packed with care. We’re lucky to have regular support from Presbyterian churches, who drop off everything from tinned goods to garden-fresh produce, and from partners like Kiwi Harvest, Silver Fern Farms, and Goodman Fielder. Donations of pet food, nappies, and baby food help us support the whole whānau – furry friends included.

The foodbank is a daily swirl of generosity and connection. You might see Community Fruit Harvest arrive with plums, grown just for sharing. Or a mum balancing a baby on one hip and a toddler on the other, whispering a heartfelt “thank you.” It’s these moments that remind us: this is community at its best.

As Adam settles into his new role, we’re excited for what’s ahead. With our volunteers, donors, and supporters behind us, we’re here every day making sure no one in our community goes without. But we need your help.

Non-perishable food, canned goods, and toiletries are always in demand – they’re the backbone of every food parcel we pack. If you’re able, pop an extra tin, a bag of pasta, or a spare shampoo into your trolley and drop it off to us. It might seem small, but it makes a big difference. Or you can give online on our donation page - filling our foodbank

Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about food – it’s about showing up for each other when it matters most.

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