But as demand skyrocketed, foodbank co-ordinator Diane Barbara assured they were there to help.
"I absolutely love it — it gives you that feeling of goodness and that you’re helping the community."
And the foodbank was getting innovative with its offerings.
She was proud of recently introduced pre-packaged recipe and ingredients bags that made meal planning and preparation more straightforward.
The "big increase" in requests for help had not gone unnoticed by Salvation Army Captain Logan Bathurst.
"We’re seeing a higher level of complexity now — it’s not just one issue, there’s multiple and it’s harder to help them.
"We also offer counselling and other social support and these are in quite high demand."
Across the district, Central Otago District Mayor Tamah Alley has noticed even households with two fulltime incomes are feeling stretched.
This was a demographic that did not have to lean on social services previously, she said.
"I think they’re feeling the pressure from multiple aspects of their lives ... there’s an inability to control household costs."
Ms Alley said this had been highlighted by Alexandra Community House in the past 12 months.
However, she wanted to emphasise it was not all doom and gloom.
She shared the latest annual report from online fundraising platform Givealittle, which found New Zealand donations were up 10%, year-on-year.
"Even in a cost of living crisis, people are giving more," she said.
Closer to home, she said had faith in the people of Central Otago.
"I think it’s a generous district — people are really giving of their time.
Capt Bathurst said they could still fill local pantries, despite the increased demand.
He thanked local supermarkets and the community for their continued support of can drive donations.
