Those on a tight budget can now use an online map showing free or lower cost food and transport options for Central. 

The low-cost food and transport map available on the WellSouth website shows affordable (free or lower cost) food and transport options available for communities. 

WellSouth health promotion specialist Sarah Chisnall said with the significant price rises of essentials, increasing living costs, and the impacts of the continued disruption due to Covid-19, this expansion could not have come at a better time.

She said accessing and being able to afford food is becoming harder for many people in our Southern communities. 

“There is a clear need for support in the Central Otago area where the Covid-19 response has hit both business and tourism sectors hard, directly impacting the livelihoods of many in the region.” 

Each map shows basic details of available community services and initiatives under a range of categories, including the location, opening hours, and information about the service. Any additional details like eligibility criteria and contact details are included where possible.

“These community services help enable people to have better access to adequate and safe food for their health and wellbeing,” Sarah said.

The maps are digital to ensure the information available remains current and reliable and they provide primary care and social service providers with a useful resource to use with the people they are supporting and caring for.

“Positive feedback has come in from the community surrounding the maps, and it is great to know the resource is being utilised,” Sarah said.

Areas in the Southern region covered by the map include the wider Dunedin and Invercargill city areas, and now the Queenstown Lakes-Central Otago area.

WellSouth intends to create additional maps for other Southern locations, with work underway on developing maps for the Waitaki and wider Southland.

The team are committed to updating the maps regularly and welcome new information on food and transportation options to add, as well as updates for existing listings. 

Reach them at: [email protected] or 03 477 1163.