Banking on the community

In recent times, Hurunui Foodbanks have proved to be pillars for our communities throughout the District.

Food Secure North Canterbury (FSNC) has allocated $500 quarterly to North Canterbury Foodbanks along with new chillers which are soon to arrive.

This includes three of our Hurunui Foodbanks: Amberley Foodbank, Inspire Foodbank and Waikari Foodbank.

With Hurunui District Council (HDC) being a partner of FSNC, Roger Hornblow from HDC’s Community Team has been heavily involved with this process.

“Our Community Team are incredibly thankful to be part of FSNC. The benefits from this partnership are just beginning for the Hurunui. The increased demand on our foodbanks means that their support has become even more essential.”

!nspire Pantry Foodbank, the community branch of !nspire Church Amberley is operated by Lola Love and a team of volunteers. The team are looking forward to receiving the chiller and are very grateful of FSNC’s support.

“The chiller will be a major asset; with the volumes of food we get, it will be nice to have an extra place to house them.”

The !nspire Foodbank has been running since 1996, and Lola and the team have a real passion for ministering to the needs of the community.

“We want to capture everyone… there are families out there in dire need who require support and that’s why we are here. Many families are regulars, and we provide for them because we have the food, and they have a need.”

Lola has a group of likeminded volunteers helping her to fulfil the needs of the District’s locals.

“We have a group of volunteers who help us with this very worthwhile ministry. These wonderful volunteers come from within the church as well as the community and without them, this would not be possible….”

“Our message is this, if you have a need, don’t be too proud, pick up the phone and call.”