The Clutha Budget Advisory Service (CBAS) Food Hub annual collection begins this evening from 6.30pm.
Volunteers supported by emergency services vehicles with flashing lights and sirens will sweep street by street, collecting the community’s non perishable food donations to restock the hub.
The Food Hub open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 18 James St, Balclutha. It tackles immediate food insecurity, while CBAS builds long-term financial resilience to ease pressure on district services.
Supported by over 1300 volunteer hours, the service distributed 1104 parcels last year and expects higher demand amid rising costs. It says 29% of clients are ineligible for Community Services Cards.
CBAS community worker Marion Harper understands first-hand how important the Food Hub service and Toot 4 Tucker are.
"It is hard for many people to come and ask for help —I know it was for me," she said, recalling lining up for food parcels during a period of major meatworks strikes.
"It was the having to go and put your hand out, but you had to do it because you couldn’t feed your kids."
Mrs Harper has been with CBAS for about a year.
"I find it really rewarding and also sad. We’ve got a lot of people just here in Balclutha that are struggling... it’s an eye-opener to see what’s actually happening on our own doorstep."
This year, by community demand, Toot 4 Tucker has expanded beyond Balclutha to include Stirling, Kaitangata, Kaka Point, Owaka and Clinton.
Collection volunteers, the CBAS Food Hub and hub clients will be grateful for every food can and packet they find kerbside for Toot 4 Tucker tonight.
