Octacan is a can trail in Dunedin's Lower Octagon and this year will be held on Thursday, June 20, from 7.30am to 3pm.
''We always hold it near the shortest day of the year because it's a time we all feel the need for warming food, none more so than the many children and families accessing food from our Family Works foodbank,'' Presbyterian Support Otago development director Lisa Wells said.
The Octacan event comes as the food bank faces a spike in demand from Dunedin families, with about 8500 people looking for assistance last month.
PSO Family Works social work supervisor Debbie Gelling told The Star that many people were struggling with the basic cost of living. The impact of winter power bills was also starting to be felt.
Family Works conducted 953 interviews with clients during April and May, most of whom required food for their children.
''We are seeing both beneficiaries and working people coming to us for help. A lot of people are doing it hard out there,'' Mrs Gelling said.
With businesses unable to plan ahead in the tough economy, many people were only able to find casual work, which meant hours were not guaranteed.
''People are saying there is work out there, but not enough to raise a family or run a household on.''
Mrs Wells said the service was seeing a growing number of families who could not make ends meet, even though one, or both parents were working. She encouraged businesses to support the appeal, because it could be some of their own staff asking the foodbank for help.
Mrs Wells said that, even with careful screening, about 9000 food items left the PSO food bank shelves each month over winter.
''So the success of Octacan is vital if we are to help local families,'' she said.
People unable to give on the day can deliver cans to the Presbyterian Support Centre, at 407 Moray Pl. Mention the donation is for Octacan and the gift will be added to the day's total.
