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Source: Photos.com -
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Wellington's downtown food bank has run out of food.
Director of the Downtown Community Ministry (DCM) food bank, Stephanie McIntyre, says the situation is "dire".
"We're seeing a huge increase in the number of people we're supporting even though our food bank is only open two afternoons a week," she said.
A 44% increase in the number of food parcels handed out in the past three months means the food bank is very low.
Infact, all that is left is two cans of tuna, three cans of beetroot, one can of corn, a few spreads and boxes of Weetbix.
McIntyre says the majority of food bank users are on a sickness, invalids or unemployment benefit, though the number of people not receiving any income at all has increased from 1 person, to 9 people.
"It is deeply disappointing to see so many people in such great need. Not since the 90s have we seen this level of reliance on our food bank," she said.
Labour is calling on the Government to help out.
Deputy leader Annette King says she has asked Prime Minister John Key to visit food banks to see the extent of the problem, but he has declined.
King says if Key has $900 a minute to pay for the use of an air force helicopter to ferry him around, he must have money to help people in desperate need.
If you have items to donate to the Wellington food bank, please contact 04 384 7699.
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