The Gisborne Community Care Foodbank is calling for common food staples throughout winter, thanking donors but reminding them that some foods too far past their best before date cannot be used.
The Gisborne Foodbank is an independent, volunteer-run charity that operates at the rear of the Gisborne Uniting Church .
Its president, Wally van Dort, said common staple and toiletry donations are useful at all times of the year, and throughout winter, canned food donations are especially useful.
“We always use the common staples, like milk … coffee … Milo … rice, and fish. We probably don’t need Weet-Bix [at the moment] but other cereals are important,” Mr van Dort said.
“People focus on canned foods during winter, so canned meals [are useful]. We post a weekly Facebook page update of what is needed,” he said.
The group also accepts monetary donations from the community to help with sourcing fresh fruit and vegetables.
In a Gisborne Foodbank Facebook post, it reminded donors that while items past their best before date can still be used, there is a limit before these items must be disposed of.
The post explained that wet foods, such as condiments and canned soup, can be used up to six months past their best before date, and dry or powdered foods, including flour and pasta, can be used for up to 12 months past their best before date.
Mr van Dort said that as the organisation name suggests, he likes to “place emphasis on community care as well”.
“I [get] involved with the customers and listen to their stories, and that’s what most people want. They’re looking for a bit of help and just someone to understand what they’re going through,” he said.
He said the organisation is volunteer led, and volunteering to provide community support is a rewarding pursuit.
“If I do get paid, it’s in satisfaction dollars!”
Details: facebook.com/GisborneFoodbank
Oscar Parry
