WEDNESDAY,APRIL 3, 2017
WAIRARAPA’S LOCALLY OWNED COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
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Foodbank demand stays high BY GERALD FORD Demand for the services of Masterton Foodbank was at a record high in April for the second month in a row, spokeswoman Lyn Tankersley said on Monday. “There is genuine need out there in the community, there’s no doubt about that. People are hurting. It’s not just people who are without jobs, it’s people with jobs – especially those renting. “They’ll be going along sweetly and then the car breaks down, and they need the car for work, so for a couple of weeks they just can’t afford food and they get food parcels, just to feed their family. “We had our busiest month ever in March and that’s what the Times-Age story was about, but we were equally busy in April. We’re doing 24 food parcels a day, and that’s huge.” Ms Tankersley said three-quarters or 75 per cent of all food parcels are referred by social agencies. “That’s churches, the DHB, alcohol and drug people, all the budgeting people, Winz,” Ms Tankersley said. “Sure, we’ve probably got a few people abusing the system but it’s very small... people all have to show ID with address. “People find it hard to ask for food parcels, especially women. They’re often in tears.” Ms Tankersley said rental costs are “definitely” a factor. We have a young mother whose rent’s gone up $150 a week, she just struggles. “Power has increased, and food is increasing for the first time in years.” The types of food that are increasing in price, are particularly “fruit and veges, the healthy stuff ... all the nasty sugary stuff is still on special, isn’t it?” Lyn Tankersley of Masterton Foodbank receives a table full of supplies from Bill Johnson, manager of the Masterton Club. PHOTO/GERALD FORD
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