Wairarapa’s locally owned community newspaper
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022
INSIDE: ‘We need a place to live’ P4
P19
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‘Our workload is astronomical’ Erin Kavanagh-Hall
erin.kavanagh-hall@age. co.nz
With covid-19 still on the rampage, and living costs skyrocketing, the Masterton Food Bank is appealing to the community for help as it grapples with an “astronomical” workload. Food Bank manager Jenna Matchett said the organisation is dealing with unprecedented demand, as Wairarapa families are faced with rising housing, petrol, and food costs. Adding to the pressure on the organisation is the recent omicron outbreak – with many of its volunteers falling ill or isolating at home. Though the Food Bank is still receiving a steady supply of donations, the demand is straining its current workforce – so its committee and management are calling for locals to step up as volunteers. To sustain it through this difficult period, Matchett said the Food
To help it through an increased workload, the Masterton Food Bank needs some new additions to its team. From left: Fiona Gibson, Ruth Galloway, Gary Bainbridge, Jenna Matchett (Food Bank manager), and Pam Horncy. PHOTO/ERIN KAVANAGH-HALL
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Bank needs to add at least 10 more workers to its lineup – to assist with administrative tasks, sorting through donations, restocking shelves, and packing food parcels. Matchett said the organisation’s volume of work has dramatically increased over the last two years: with people from all walks of life, including those in full-time work and on regular incomes, struggling to afford food and household supplies. In February, the Food Bank distributed 548 food parcels – a 95 percent increase from the 280 distributed in February 2020, just before the first national lockdown. With more and more people “feeling the pinch”, Matchett said it was vital the Food Bank was open and available to “everyone in the community”. “We don’t want to turn anyone away. But if we want to keep our doors open, we need all hands on deck. “The need in the community is huge – and our workload is
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astronomical. “It’s not the same demographics of people needing our help. It’s no longer just beneficiaries – it’s pretty much everyone. “We need more volunteers – we needed them yesterday.” Matchett said the Food Bank has certainly been busier during covid – with employment and businesses affected by lockdowns and home isolation rules. However, she anticipates food insecurity will continue beyond the pandemic, thanks to slowly recovering supply chains and the war in Europe. “If covid goes away tomorrow, we’re not going to go back to normal overnight. “The societal problems will still be there – house prices, fuel costs, expensive groceries. These financial struggles are running deeper and deeper into mainstream society.” She said a wide range of people are seeking Continued on page 3
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