Food insecurity in New Zealand is on the rise, and many people on the Taieri are feeling the strain. According to Ashley Thomson and Emily Croft, joint coordinators of the Taieri Christian Trust Community Foodbank, the need for support has never been greater.
The foodbank, located in the hall behind the Methodist Church on Wickliffe Street, provides an essential service to the community. Ashley and Emily took over the role (jointly) in March and are both deeply committed to supporting people during these volatile times. Their mission is simple:
everyone is entitled to a regular supply of healthy food, and no family should go hungry.
By collecting food that might otherwise be wasted, the foodbank ensures it is redistributed to those in need. Using a van, they collect donations from local supermarkets and BP, including bakery goods, fresh produce, frozen foods, and meats. All items are brought back, sorted, weighed, and
recorded before being distributed.
The foodbank is supported by an incredible team of volunteers who manage to provide around 160 “assistances” each month. Two volunteers work daily to prepare food boxes for people accessing the service, and the foodbank also delivers some items to kindergartens and schools.
But demand is growing rapidly. Over the past 12 months, the number of people seeking help has risen by 33%. Alarmingly, 68% of these new clients had never accessed social services before. And those needing emergency food are not necessarily low-income earners. “People are coming in from
all walks of life,” says Ashley.
No one is immune. Even small setbacks—like an unexpected vet bill, car repair, or medical expense—can tip people into food insecurity. 33% of middle-income earners are now experiencing difficulties. Rising living costs, fuel prices, job insecurity, housing instability, and food insecurity
are all contributing factors.
With demand outstripping supply, the foodbank is considering another food drive mid-year. Existing clients are also relying on food parcels more frequently. Staff at the foodbank are aware of how difficult it can be to ask for help.
Both Ashley and Emily have experienced struggles themselves, giving them empathy, compassion and understanding for those in need. “We understand the challenges many are facing and try to cater for their needs as best we can.”
On a positive note, the generosity of the community is overwhelming. After giving a recent talk, the foodbank received a massive donation that left them “just blown away.”
Volunteers are the backbone of the operation. Two volunteers work daily to prepare food boxes, and with high demand, they’ve also committed to evening shifts. Some have been helping for more than 10 years. As Ashley notes, “We couldn’t do it without our amazing volunteers.”
