While a final tally is still being made, organisers said the amount of non-perishable food donated by Taieri households had easily exceeded the previous record total.
"The food we received was the most we have ever received in a food drive.
"It was an amazing effort from our community," foodbank co-ordinator Michelle Kerr said.
The event sets the foundation for a year’s work by the foodbank: it usually collects 21,000 items, enough to meet demand for the following 12 months.
"Having a brilliant day added to the success as well.
"We really appreciated the efforts of all our volunteers. We would have had over 200 running the streets, sorting the cans and packing," Ms Kerr said.
"The Lions, Scouts, Olympic Gym and of course our emergency services all played a huge role in making our night successful."