Many more people than before are turning to food banks in New Zealand, writes The Otago Daily Times on November 29.
“As part of our direct food services provided through our food bank, we have seen a staggering 210% increase in food requests.”” said Fiona Arnold, Community Services Manager at The Salvation Army. She highlighted that the increase in demand is not only for products, but also for other supports.
It reported that the increase in the number of new people needing help was 3% over the year and the number of families applying increased by 109%. At the same time, he noted that lonely people often seek help.
“Many of these customers are working, but they run out of money once they pay their weekly bills.”Arnold said.
Sarah Strang, pastoral coordinator at the St. Vincent de Paul Center, said that along with the increase in demand, there has been a decrease in donations.
“The food bank is now busier than ever and food donations have decreased as our community feels the pressure of significantly rising food prices.””, the newspaper quotes her. This is repeated in other food banks.
“We have two-parent working families coming to us just because mortgage rates are going up…Things are escalating.”said Mosgiel Food Bank Coordinator Michelle Kerr.
Let us remember that a similar panorama is observed in other countries, particularly in Canada. In the UK, a quarter of universities have food banks.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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