FoodShare's Deborah Manning - a former corporate lawyer - loves data, especially when it tells a fascinating story of need and growth in Dunedin.
''In 2012, when we started, we had three recipient agencies - now we have 54.
''The volume we are processing has grown exponentially. One point seven tonnes of food came in that door yesterday and out again in one day, and over a week we process 4500kg of food.''
It has been a big year for FoodShare, which supplies and distributes donated food to Dunedin foodbanks. It has nearly outgrown its headquarters, and acquired a new refrigerated delivery van and new volunteers.
In one week alone, Countdown's combined Dunedin stores donate the equivalent of 5500 meals - and over a month FoodShare processes the equivalent of 30,000 meals from its combined providers.
The food donated to Foodshare is close to its use-by date (but never past it) or damaged in some way. But it was fresh and largely healthy produce, Ms Manning said, and was processed in the Dunedin headquarters in a 24-hour period.
''Food waste is very much on the public conscience, so people are looking for ways to manage their waste or alternative streams to repurpose it,'' Ms Manning said.
''And I think we've really benefited from that.''
FoodShare has five paid part-time staff, and more than 100 registered volunteers.
''Every week, the food donations get more and more,'' Ms Manning said.
''It is hard to know if it's because of the lead-up to Christmas, or the supermarkets are just getting really comfortable with us coming in and collecting what isn't good enough to sell but is perfectly good to eat.
''We've all had feedback that the staff of the supermarkets hate seeing food go to waste, so it's really important they hear about what a difference their donations are making, such as the 6-year-old boy who didn't know what milk was until a donated bottle was put in front of him. That's in Dunedin.
''I think a lot of people are still unaware of the huge need in our small town.''
Next year, Ms Manning would like to get more cafes, restaurants and caterers donating, and maintain the exponential growth.
''Companies should be celebrating that they're doing this, not hiding it.
''Dunedin is small enough and accessible enough that no food should go to waste, and no-one needs to go hungry. I genuinely believe that is an achievable goal in this city.''
- by Eleanor Ainge Roy
Making Xmas a little easier
Finding Christmas is stretching the budget? Want gifts for the children but maxed out the credit card on essential food and bills? Here are some options for how to make the big day a little easier financially.
- Dunedin Community Christmas Dinner - Town Hall, Christmas Day, 11.30am. Open to all. Bookings advised: (03) 471-6150.
- Presbyterian Family Support has prepared 200 Christmas hampers and has toys for children, as well as gifts for tricky teenagers. Give it a call on (03) 477-7115.
- The Combined Churches Foodbank provides more than 400 Christmas dinner parcels. Call Catholic Social Services to inquire: (03) 455-3838, office@cathsocialservices.org.nz.
- CSS also offers free counselling services to those feeling stressed or in need over the Christmas period.
- The Salvation Army offers assistance for those in need: (03) 477-9852.
- East Taieri Church & Mosgiel RSA Christmas Lunch at Mosgiel RSA. Doors open 11.30am, lunch noon on Christmas Day. Christmas carols and free food and drink. Call the Mosgiel RSA or East Taieri Church.
Need to talk? Need advice? Call these national helplines.
- Lifeline: 0800-543-354
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508-828-865
- Healthline: 0800-611-116
Samaritans: 0800-726-666
