The Community Trust of Mid & South Canterbury recently gave its biggest ever funding boost to foodbanks.
The previously-approved multi-year grant of $127,000 per year was exceeded by $62,200, which would be spread across 11 food banks and two food rescue organisations.
Trust chairman Nathan Mills said in a statement that trustees were cognisant of the increasing demand facing foodbanks in the area.
"[That’s] due to families suffering tougher economic times, and foodbanks themselves being hit with pretty steep food inflation, which negatively impacted their ability to stock their shelves.
"Increasing the funding pool this year will assist them meet those challenges."
In the Timaru district, grants totalling $51,000 were awarded.
These were made up of $15,000 to Presbyterian Support Family Works, and $10,000 each to St Vincent de Paul and the Salvation Army, along with $6000 to the Temuka Combined Churches Foodbank, and $10,000 to Geraldine St Andrew’s Foodbank.
A St Andrew’s Geraldine spokesperson said the community trust’s support came at a critical time.
"[This] contribution and the impact of your generosity cannot be overstated as we continue to work in partnership in this vital work."
Presbyterian Support South Canterbury chief executive Carolyn Cooper said it was fantastic news.
"This will help us get the food bank stocked up before we head into winter."
In the Mackenzie district, $20,000 was granted to the Mackenzie Community Enhancement Board Foodbank.
In Waimate, the Waimate Community Link Foodbank was granted $10,000 and the Salvation Army $4000.
Fairlie Resource Centre spokeswoman Gina Kilmister said the funding made a difference.
"We appreciate the opportunity to provide and care for our community in a way that is helpful and empowering for all,’’ she said.
"In a time where people are struggling to make ends meet, a simple food parcel can lift the spirits and turn someone's day around."
A Community Link spokesperson said the organisation was facing the challenges of significant cost increases and declining donations.
"This grant is incredibly important to us and allows us to support the overheads of running the foodbank and will help us continue our very impactful senior food outreach programme."
Food banks in the Ashburton district received $29,200.
Funding for regional services providing food rescue and community partnerships was awarded to Food Rescue Aoraki ($60,000) and Meat the Need ($15,000).
— APL
