Mid-winter at the Family Works Foodbank

Octacan is Presbyterian Support Otago’s (PSO) major winter food drive and supports many local people through the colder months. This year we are holding Octacan on the shortest day of the year, Thursday 20 June, as we look forward to Matariki – the Māori New Year. This is the time of year harvest would traditionally have happened, gathering food for winter and the year ahead.

Reaching out to the foodbank is often just the start of someone’s journey with PSO. Our Family Works team understands that everyone has a unique story, and we provide help that is tailored to each individual or family. Our social workers are seeing a growing number of families seeking help. From 1 January to 30 April, we have given out 1,553 food parcels to those in need of help, an increase of over 8% from last year.

We help by providing food parcels, social work support, financial mentoring, advocacy, EnergyMate coaching and helping with winter clothing through our op shop.

You can support the foodbank at any time by dropping off donations of cans to 407 Moray Place Dunedin or donate online.

Download a PDF of our People Magazine - 5MB