Foodbank

Opening Hours: Monday & Friday 1.30 - 3.30 pm

The foodbank is one of the key grass roots services we provide, However, our foodbank service goes further than just providing emergency food assistance to meet immediate need. We also endeavour to identify and address the underlying reasons for an individual’s shortage of food so that people don’t have to keep returning to a food bank for assistance.

Where to go for emergency food assistance:
Check the list of Wellington Regional Food Banks to find the food bank nearest to you. We do not give food parcels out of area - people wanting a food parcel should go to their local food bank. We do not deliver food parcels.

Check with the Work and Income Call Centre whether you have a Special Need Grant (SNG) entitlement - 0800 559 009. The key to accessing SNG assistance is to keep receipts because you will be asked to show you have spent your money on another essential need and this is why you can't buy food.

Free bread:
DCM has bags of free bread available in a freezer in our reception area. Anybody is welcome to come and help themselves to bread - no questions asked.

To donate food:
The food bank relies on your donations. Food can be dropped into our food bin at New World Chaffers or directly into the office. You can always give us a call to arrange the donation of food items as well.

Interview procedure:
Applicants for a food parcel will be asked to complete an interview. This helps to determine if they are eligible for a SNG, other assistance from WINZ or ways in which DCM can help.