The 120,000 tamariki who received free fruit and veges in schools before the lockdown have not been forgotten. The 5+ A Day Charitable Trust partnered with the Ministry of Health to deliver fruit and veges to schools will now send 5000 boxes of fruit and veges a week to the community.
David Smith, Chair of the 5+ A Day Charitable Trust, says that its never been more important than ever for whānau to eat healthy. Eating healthy, he says, will strengthen the immune system and help fight disease.
“We are committed to providing fresh fruit and vegetables to those who otherwise would not be able to access them. We want families to be able to cook healthy meals for their whānau,” he says.
Tony Kake, CEO of Papakura Marae, confirmed that are receiving kai through 5 + Day partners KiwiHarvest, Auckland City Mission and another entity Chevalier.
Puhi Wade, from Ngā Whare Wātea said that the lockdown has caused a higher demand for food parcels. The extra supplies have helped them to meet the increased demand. With many struggling to make ends meet, Wade says that once whānau can get help, it makes a difference.
"But once they receive their kai, we all see the pressure lift as we stand inside the Wharekai and watch the whānau get out of their cars and collect their kai," Wade says.
5+ A Day are aiming to distribute 5000 packages a week till schools are reopened.
Auckland Foodbanks
- Auckland City Mission - call 09 303 9266. The Crisis Care team will do a phone interview.
- Salvation Army call 0800 53 00 00. You will then be advised where your local ministry is and what your next steps are.
- Vincent de Paul Newton call 09 815 6122. They do deliveries.
- Ngā Whare Waatea call 09 2777 866. Or visit the marae in Favona between 10-2pm. Wait in your vehicle and a staff member will come and see you.
- Presbyterian Support Northern call 09 309 2054. They will advise you of the next steps.
- Papakura Marae Foodbank call 09 297 2036. They service Papakura and Manurewa only, call and they will interview you.
- Orakei Foodbank call 09 521 and leave a message. They service Ōrākei, Kohimarama and Mission Bay.
- St Marks Church in Pakuranga email - stmarks@xtra.co.nz
- Mt Wellington Foodbank call CAB on 0800 367 222. Offices are closed, but phone lines are open.