He kai kei aku ringa .... There is food at the end of my hands
Finding food to feed the future is the passion you find with the dedicated band of volunteers at the Bay of Islands Food bank. Based in Kawakawa and serving much of the mid north region, this ecumenical food bank reaches out to serve the community in an extraordinary way.
This passion is really needed currently, as demand for services has increased so dramatically that they are struggling to obtain enough food and funding to run their programs. Michael and Bev Deverell noted that in the last financial year, the food bank gave around 160 food parcels which was almost triple the previous year.
All food parcels are given with the proviso that families who receive them also receive budgeting help before requesting another food parcel. Families can be of varying sizes and ages – from individuals living alone to large families of more than 2 adults and sometimes up to 8 children. Parcels consist of basic groceries including vegetables, fruit, meat, milk, bread and four non-food items.
In existence since 1992, the Foodbank receives referrals from budgeting services in Kawakawa, Social workers, Work & Income,and public health nurses. The Foodbank would not exist without their amazing group of 20 voluntary helpers who remain committed to dealing with parcels as they arrive as well as bulk shopping. Volunteers work as packers, deliverers, co-ordinators, shoppers and committee members, with an increased demand for packers.
Bev comments that in her area, “people just can’t get jobs and unfortunately end up in desperate situations."
The Catholic Caring Foundation has supported the Bay of Islands Food Bank this year by distributing a grant of $7,000 to ensure this much needed service is on-going.
Written By: PeterDate Posted: 8/28/2009Number of Views: 257
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