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The demand for food parcels from the Warkworth Christian Foodlink continues to grow.
The service supplied 1247 parcels last year, reaching 2680 adults and 2598 children. The total represents a 52% increase on 2021 and a whopping 363% increase on 10 years ago.
Foodlink manager Roger Mackay says the figures show the continued flow-on effects from the covid pandemic.
Foodlink also provided 272 Christmas treat boxes in December, 22 more than in 2021.
The retail value of all the food provided last year, including the Christmas boxes, was around $214,000.
“The aftermath of covid has been a contributing factor to many people seeking help last year and we provided food parcels and community support to 114 families who were required to self-isolate,” Mackay says.
“The main reason people are not able to make ends meet continues to be the high cost and shortage of rental accommodation, coupled with the low base of welfare benefits. We frequently support families who have had to provide accommodation to extended family who have not been able to find accommodation.”
The church community, and the wider community, continues to provide the backbone of support for the service, donating goods and produce. More than $33,000 was also donated in cash.
“The local business community is also very supportive and we acknowledge the efforts of Warkworth New World, Warkworth Countdown, Orewa New World, Warkworth Butchery, Dr Hud, The Warehouse Snells Beach and Southern Paprika.”
