Pak it on there...
A pallet loaded with 1,248 cans of tomatoes was among $3000 worth of groceries donated to KiwiHarvest by Queenstown's PAK’nSAVE recently.
Supermarket owners Anthony and Michelle King arranged for one-and-a-half tonnes of goods to be collected by the local food rescue organisation, including long-lasting fresh produce such as onions and pumpkins, and dry goods including pasta, Weet-Bix, baked beans and spaghetti.
KiwiHarvest's Gary Hough says the support comes at a critical time, with demand for food support in Queenstown at high levels.
"Over winter some of the charities we support have seen demand go up 100%," Hough says.
"The population is expanding and winter is a tough time. Lots of people are living close to the line, and the heating bills increase. It just takes a dentist bill or a car repair bill, and they're struggling.
"You also see more illnesses over winter, which knocks people back, and might affect their income. It can be a month or so before they get back on their feet financially."
Last year, the local branch of KiwiHarvest, rescued more than 200,000kgs of food, which equates to around 340,000 meals being distributed. The organisation supports 17 charities across Queenstown, Wānaka, Cromwell and Alexandra. It helps around 1000 people a week, who are struggling to make ends meet.
The Kings and Foodstuffs South Island are major donors.
"We visit them everyday, Monday to Friday, across all their departments. They have the donation trolley in the front of the supermarket and support all our campaigns. They go above and beyond, and it has a massive ripple effect."
KiwiHarvest also visits other supermarkets, cafes and restaurants, orchards, and is now working with the local Deer Stalkers Association to source venison mince.
