More Central Otago residents are needing help from foodbanks as household budgets remain tight, according to local foodbank co-ordinators.

Alexandra’s Salvation Army captain Logan Bathurst said demand had increased by 20 per cent.

“There has been a significant increase in the growth of families coming to see us.

“It’s hard out there . . . people get behind on their finances all the time. It’s hard to dig yourself out once you get behind.”

Feeding your family was a challenge for all of us as we’ve got limited budgets, Logan said

The Alexandra foodbank will provide around 70 Christmas hampers to people struggling in Central, on top of regular food parcels for people referred to them.

For this year’s Christmas hampers they need small gifts for children and teenagers, and Christmas treats such as lollies, chips and fizzy drinks.

The service is bolstered by donations of produce from Woolworths and Central orchards and Logan said there was enormous generosity in the community.

Combined Ministries Mission co-ordinator Diane Barbara with volunteers Lyn Giles (right) and Kirsty Anderson at the Alexandra Foodbank. PHOTO: THE CENTRAL APP

Cromwell Foodbank co-ordinator Adrienne Heal said demand for foodbank support was greater than previously but noted Cromwell’s population was growing too.

She said July was “off the charts” with a huge number of people coming to them for help.

“It was hard on volunteers that month . . . [July] was an outlier, for some unknown reason.”

Adrienne said they were “eeking their way through at the moment” with low stocks, but the can drive next month organised by Property Brokers consultant Dawn Turnbull was always well supported by locals.

“You can never tell from week to week what the demand is going to be.

“We can always do with toiletries, toothpaste, soap and shampoo . . . [also] instant coffee, and tea bags. Eggs, if people have them, too”  

She said the Cromwell Foodbank was grateful for the weekly support from Kiwi Harvest and the local chapter of not-for-profit organisation Good Bitches Baking.

“The bakers are overlooked heroes, the baking they do is beautiful, it's like a work of art and so nice to pop into a food parcel.

According to Statistics New Zealand food prices increased 1.2 per cent in the year to September 2024. 

Grocery food went up by 2.7 per cent due to higher prices for olive oil, butter, and chocolate biscuits.

Consumer prices manager Nicola Growden said the price for a litre bottle of olive oil has increased by about 58 per cent since this time last year, with an average price of $21.56.

Despite an overall increase in food prices, decreasing prices in the fruit and vegetables group had the largest impact on food prices, falling 8.3 per cent in the 12 months to September 2024.

Fruit and vegetable prices were driven by lower prices for kūmara, potatoes, and onions.

To donate to the Alexandra foodbank items can be delivered to 37 Royal Terrace in between 9am -and midday on weekdays. 

Donations for the Cromwell foodbank can be dropped off at Cromwell Community House, or people can donate vouchers or money at Cromwell New World. 

The Teviot Valley Foodbank was unable to be reached for comment prior to publishing deadline.

The Central App will share publish ideas on how to have a sustainable, cheaper Christmas with readers as the silly season nears. 

Read more: Demand for CO Budgeting Services continues

Read more: Social services in Central Otago beyond capacity

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