Food bank demand increases by 400 per cent in 7 days

Monday 6 April 2020

People and families are beginning to feel the financial impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19), with The Wellington City Mission experiencing a sharp increase in demand for food help since the COVID-19 Alert Level 4 took effect on Wednesday 25 March. Says Murray Edridge, Wellington City Mission.

“In a week
where we would on average distribute 80 food bags, since lockdown the last 7
days has seen us distribute 329 food bags to people and families, with 80%
being delivered by staff straight to people’s doorsteps.

“Behind these
numbers are real people and families who through no fault of their own, are now
finding it even harder as a result of COVID-19.

“Considering
we’re without volunteers and have been unable to ask for food donations, a
tremendous amount of effort has gone into ensuring we’re still able to deliver
our essential food bank and social work services.

“As the
regional co-ordinator for food parcel distribution in Wellington over this
period, we also have a dedicated 0800 phoneline and have been working at pace
with local foodbanks so they can continue to deliver food locally.

“COVID-19 has
been a test for us as an organisation, but as we’ve seen with the increase in
demand over the last 7 days, the test is nothing compared to what those in need
who were already struggling are experiencing today. It’s important we continue
to come together to support them.” Says Murray Edridge.

The Wellington City Mission’s Drop-in Centre is closed, and are instead distributing frozen meals as well as food bags.

Media Contact: 

Kieran Meredith, Media & Communications Manager, 027 879 2336