Food bank with no food

Published: 11:34AM Thursday April 21, 2011 Source: ONE News

  • Print this article
  • Text size + -

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.

  • Print this article
  • Text size + -
  • more...

Latest NZ News Video

NZ News

Most Popular

  1. Britney Spears disappears during X Factor filming
  2. Death threat at children's football game
  3. Boy saves dog from cricket bat attack
  4. Man in life-threatening condition after near drowning
  5. New Zealand to host world's largest telescope watch

rssLatest News

Advertising

How do you want your news?

  • Mobile Devices

    TVNZ is available on mobile phones: Text TVNZ to 8869.

  • News Feeds

    See when TVNZ have added new content. You can get the latest headlines anywhere.

  • Podcasts

    Enjoy TVNZ on the move - a wide range of programmes and highlights are available.