Spotlight on a Member: Kāpiti Community Food Bank

The Kāpiti Community Foodbank has been providing emergency food parcels to Kāpiti residents since 1999. Originally operating out of a garage, the foodbank had several homes in the area before landing in what Operations Manager Jill Mason describes as its ‘forever home’ at 17 Hinemoa Street, Paraparaumu – right next to Coasters Musical Theatre.

The small team of dedicated volunteers receives, sorts and boxes up donations from local supermarkets and food vending partners, fellow Volunteer Kāpiti member Kaibosh and Kāpiti residents, ready for distribution to those in need. Surplus garden-fresh fruit and vegetables are particularly welcome donations. You can donate goods, weekdays between 8.30am and 12.30pm.

Monetary donations are also gratefully received, as they enable the foodbank to purchase fresh produce from local suppliers. For further information on what and how to donate, check out the foodbank’s website here

The foodbank’s next big food drive is on 30th November when, partnering with the Lions Club of Kāpiti and the Volunteer Fire Brigade, foodbank volunteers will be collecting donations throughout the day from Waikanae through to Paekakariki. Local residents are encouraged to leave their (strictly non-alcoholic!) donations, including in-date unopened pantry items, household cleaning products, toiletries and pet food, at their front gates ready for collection.

Last year, over 400 banana boxes of provisions were collected from the generous folks across Kāpiti and, to ensure the foodbank’s shelves remain well stocked over the upcoming holiday season, they are hoping for an even bigger result this year.

From 2nd December, energetic volunteer Gift Wrapping Elves will once again be working their magic at the Coastlands Shopping Mall, where all donations received will be given to the foodbank. There is still time to apply to volunteer for this fun festive activity, which you can read more about and register your interest in here

Looking ahead, Jill explains that the foodbank would love to start growing their own vegetables and herbs on site to add to food parcels, and that she would be delighted to hear from a potential donor of some raised garden boxes.