Presbyterian Support Otago practice manager Deb Gelling said requests to the Family Works foodbank had significantly increased over the past month and food parcels were being provided at more than twice the average weekly rate.
The cost of living was increasing and things would get worse when the cost of heating became a factor in winter.
Despite receiving support from the Ministry of Social Development, local businesses and the wider community, stocks were extremely low because demand had been so high.
Many in the community were in financial distress due to increased costs of living, lost work hours and the use of high-interest credit services for obtaining essential items.
She would like the Government to continue funding financial mentoring services so people did not end up in more debt just to survive.
Effective supermarket sector reform was also important.
Mosgiel foodbank co-ordinator Michelle Kerr said her foodbank had seen an increase in demand and many were asking for help for the first time.
Demand was up about 30% since August.
Covid-19 would continue to make things difficult going into winter and many food parcels were being dropped off to families who were isolating.
Her message to people was to not feel ashamed to seek help from the foodbank.
She wanted more help for foodbanks from the Government, as people could not donate as much as normal given the economic situation.
St Vincent de Paul Society Dunedin centre and pastoral co-ordinator Sarah Strang hailed its volunteer workers as "amazing".
She said benefits needed to rise significantly as many of the foodbank’s regular clients were incapable of working due to mental or physical disability, and were forced to live in poverty.
The foodbank was often about more than just food. For some the service would be the only friendly face they would see all week, she said.
Salvation Army Dunedin community ministries director David McEwen said many were "really struggling" and some of the stories heard by staff on the front line were heartbreaking.
He wanted the Government to help struggling families by dropping GST on food.
It was important to look after each other and be compassionate, he said.
