So next week’s Emergency Services Christmas Food Bank Can Appeal collections will provide a vital boost for stretched supplies across the city.
The collection is in support of the city’s four main foodbanks — the Presbyterian Support Otago (PSO) Family Works, Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul and Mosgiel foodbanks.
At the PSO Family Works Foodbank, which has just moved upstairs to larger rooms near PSO reception (entrance off the First Church driveway), demand is already high and rising.
PSO practice manager Deb Gelling said the Family Works foodbank had averaged a 3.5% increase in requests for food support across the year, with a marked increase of 9.5% so far in November.
In the three months from August 1 to October 31, the foodbank had provided 1256 food parcels.
However, that had jumped in November with 324 food parcels provided in just 21 days.
"We hope this won’t continue to grow through to Christmas at the current rate," Ms Gelling said.
Whānau were finding it hard and the additional costs that came with holiday breaks, such as higher demand for food at home, extra childcare for working parents and providing safe activities to keep children busy over the holiday period all came at a cost.
The rising cost of food — up 5.1% in the 12 months to July — was also a major factor in the financial stress on families, Ms Gelling said.
The picture is similar on the Taieri, where Mosgiel Foodbank reports a 25% increase in demand for food parcels — up from 90 parcels per month to 120.
East Taieri Church associate pastor and Mosgiel Foodbank trust board chairman Gareth Bruce said foodbank volunteers were hearing of greater struggles to meet bills such as rates, insurance, doctors and specialist visits.
"Job losses and uncertainty are also frequently mentioned.
"It also seems that fewer are talking about extra activities and holidays this summer.
"We are definitely seeing low-income working families at our door now, which reflects the struggle it is at the lower end at the moment," he said.
Ms Gelling agreed, saying the PSO Family Works foodbank had seen "an increasing number of working whānau and individuals coming through our doors needing support and this is not declining".
"We continue to see both homeowners and those in the rental market struggling with increased costs of mortgages or rental costs, on top of basic living costs. Referrals for KiwiSaver withdrawals are also increasing, with 75% of our referrals last week in Dunedin being specifically for support with KiwiSaver withdrawal."
PSO Family Works financial mentors had been struggling to keep on top of the demand, and were working with people who had high levels of debt.
Many people were unaware of additional financial support they could access — such as in-work payments, so mentors were providing information and support with applications.
The Salvation Army’s 2025 Christmas Appeal, launched earlier this month, reflects the ongoing cost-of-living pressures faced by many whānau.
Salvation Army corps officer Andrew Wilson said services such as foodbanks were stretched and the numbers of those doing it tough continued to grow every year.
Both PSO Family Works Foodbank and Mosgiel Foodbank report low stocks on their shelves.
Mr Bruce said, despite the "tremendous support" the Mosgiel foodbank received from local sponsors and supporters, the service’s stores were "close to exhausted".
"Traditionally, we get a strong response to the food drive coming up on Monday, but it will be interesting to see if the economic situation is having a broader impact."
Ms Gelling said the PSO Family Works foodbank had struggled to keep up with demand throughout the year, even with a weekly influx of food through KiwiHarvest.
"Whenever we think we are back on top of our stocks, they deplete very quickly – and we are not overstocking food parcels," she said.
"We frequently run out of fresh vegetables and milk, and we know it is also extremely hard for everyone out in the community at present so there is only so much we can ask for."
What is needed:
Staple food items, such as tinned tomatoes, pasta, pasta sauces, noodles, baked beans, spaghetti, toiletries and breakfast cereals.
Any excess produce from vegetable gardens or fruit trees is also very welcome.
At this time of year, any festive season treats would be gratefully received.
