What we do
Since 1986 the Lower Hutt Foodbank has supported local individuals and whānau experiencing hardship through the provision of free emergency food parcels. We are a community-led Foodbank supported by a small staff team, a volunteer Committee and around 50 volunteers who help across the organisation each week. On average the Foodbank distributes more than 18,000 food parcels each year to people across the Lower Hutt community.
Alongside food support, we also connect people with other community organisations and services where additional support may be needed. Demand for food support continues to grow, and we rely heavily on the generosity of our community to continue this work.
Examples of those we have helped
The following are some examples of situations that have led customers to the Foodbank:
- Both parents of a family working full time but struggling to make ends meet because of the costs of doctor visits and prescriptions for teenagers who have underlying long term health problems
- A mother of two young children who has her own health problems, and whose husband has passed away, who is struggling to deal with medical and funeral costs as well as with her grief and that of her children
- A mother and young child who spent the night in women's refuge, both still in shock from the violence
- A family with a severely disabled child, who recently moved to the Hutt Valley but who are not yet able to get WINZ support because the handover of services to the local office has not yet occurred
- Families where the income earner suddenly experiences a loss of job, leaving the family with no income to service debts whilst they look for a new job
- A solo mother who has lost a child in a car accident and who is trying to cover costs of the funeral while struggling with her grief and with the need to care for her other young children
Although most of our customers come directly to us for assistance many are referred to us and receive food parcels from us via other support organisations.