Salvation Army Major Jocelyn Smith said the impact of the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran was farreaching, including at the Oamaru Salvation Army Foodbank.
‘‘The conflict continues to impact little places such as Oamaru at the other end of the world,’’ she said.
‘‘Petrol has been a continual theme. People are coming into the foodbank saying they had to choose between getting gas to drive to work or groceries.
‘‘It’s not only people on benefits coming in, it’s working people, too, who are struggling at various levels.’’
Maj Smith said the need for food parcels had nearly doubled compared with this time last year.
She said many households were experiencing hardship due to the hike in fuel prices.
This week, petrol pricemonitoring app Gaspy says the average price of 91 petrol is about $3.48 per litre and diesel $3.90.
‘‘Petrol has been a continual theme. People are saying they had to choose between getting gas to drive to work or groceries.
‘‘It’s not just people on benefits, it’s working people who are struggling on various levels, Maj Smith said.
The foodbank had also struggled to keep up with the demand with a reduced number of ‘‘food rescue items’’ being donated.
‘‘I turned two people away this week. I told them we just don’t have the food stocks to give you what you need.
‘‘Our freezers are pretty empty at the moment.
‘‘We’ve got very little in the way of meat. We’ve got no fresh fruit or vegetables in our foodbank but we will aim to restock this week and everyone will get fed, so that’s good,’’ she said.
The average food spend per week was $1000 to top up the foodbank, Maj Smith said.
The presence of their ‘‘Kai Pantry’’ was helping to ease the burden on families, she said.
‘‘We’re fortunate that people continue to bring in what they’ve got in excess out of their own gardens, which is fabulous.’’
The school holidays added pressure as children were not being with provided the usual daily meal at school.
She hoped those in need did not let their pride get in the way.
‘‘It can take a lot of courage to step foot into a foodbank. That’s something we don’t underestimate when we see people coming to see us for help.’’
Maj Smith had hoped for a ‘‘reprieve on the fuel prices’’ to provide some relief.
However, collapsed ceasefire negotiations between the United States and Iran, and a declared US naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz this week created more uncertainty.
‘‘We were hoping for some ease for everyone . . .the challenge for a lot of people is that they are living one pay cheque away from disaster really, and it only takes one significant event, whether it’s a car bill or a big power bill, or fuel prices going up, and they’re in struggle street.’’
Maj Smith said food donations would be ‘‘gratefully received’’ at the Oamaru Salvation Army Foodbank, either directly at its premises in Thames St or at Woolworths.
‘‘Or people can contact us if they’d like to make a cash or an online donation and we will make sure that it goes where they want it to go.’’
The Salvation Army is launching its 2026 Red Shield Appeal and calling for volunteers to help collect vital donations. Story in next week’s
