Food support for those in need

Community Networks and LINK are the Upper Clutha’s one-stop community support and connection centre. This month, we’re highlighting the food support services available in the local area.

In our last blog, we focused on Community Networks food parcels, which are there to help when you’re struggling to make ends meet.

Food for Love is a registered charity whose 80+ volunteers have been caring for members of our community in Wānaka, Hāwea, Luggate and Queensbury since 2016 by cooking and delivering meals to those in need. 

Food for Love supplies around 125 free-of-charge meals per week to over 30 nominees, as well as offering school lunches. These nominees can be individuals, couples or families who may be tackling a range of difficulties, including mental or physical illness, family separation, injury, poverty and domestic harm.

Anyone can be nominated for help via their website and each nomination is treated with privacy and respect. Executive Officer Rebecca (Bex) Sarginson will contact nominees to confirm any dietary requirements and the frequency of need.

“We have had very positive feedback from the people we have helped and their families over the years and it is rewarding to hear back from our recipients, especially when they are back on their feet,” says Food for Love’s Suzanne Jackson.

The Salvation Army offers material welfare through their Wānaka Family Store to those who find themselves in hardship, as well as having a financial mentor and social support worker to support vulnerable community members. Community Networks can refer you, or you can get in touch with Hannelie Potgieter on 021 225 9590.

Finally, we’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has donated to the New World Family2Family Foodbank Appeal over the last few weeks. Your contributions have been rolling into Community Networks by the vanload, and every item will go back into our community this winter. The appeal has been extended for a few more weeks at New World Three Parks, where you could be in to win one of two $250 NW Gift cards if you donate!

For more information, call 443 7799, stop in to see us at the Community Hub at 34 McDougall Street or visit communitynetworks.co.nz.