Methodist City Action, the Methodist Mission in Hamilton, its qualified chefs, and a band of volunteers provide a community meal every Monday at 12 noon for only $1. Between 50 and 70 people attend the weekly community meal.

Funding from the Tindall Foundation was used to replace the aging freezer in the community kitchen. The new freezer enables Methodist City Action to take advantage of seasonal produce while the cost is low. Having a reliable freezer means that meat can be bought on special, which also reduces total costs. In addition, the running costs are lower than the previous antiquated freezer and the quality of the contents is sustained for longer. Methodist City Action purchased an upright freezer, so it is much easier to see what is in stock and to organise it to suit the different needs the kitchen serves – community lunches or cookery classes.

The Methodist City Action kitchen pumped out almost 2,500 meals, despite lockdowns and ever-changing regulations. Over 570 volunteer hours made this possible. When it was not possible to host the community meals in person on the premises, due to Covid-19 restrictions, Methodist City Action provided takeaway meals, with social distancing, scanning/signing in and mask wearing.

The community meals are open to anyone and people experiencing homelessness, hunger, lack of funds or just loneliness attend. A variety of support services are offered and referrals to other services are also made. Recently, a hairdresser made contact and now offers free haircuts before/after the meal which are very popular. While it may be just a haircut, it not only increases self-esteem and confidence, it also shows that people care.

You can find out more about services offered at Methodist City Action by checking out their website: https://www.mca.net.nz/page/our-services/ or their facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Community/Methodist-City-Action-1142049765885340/

Siaola, Vahefonua Tonga Methodist Mission, also received Tindall Foundation funding. Their original application was for an education and training expo, but due to Covid-19 it was not possible to hold the expo in person or online. The Tindall Foundation agreed to Siaola repurposing this grant for food security for vulnerable families. Food parcels were provided to families who were required to self-isolate due to Covid-19 and were unable to access food due to the mandatory requirements, did not have family or friends to do their shopping and needed at least five days’ supply of food.

Food parcels were tailored to the individual needs of the family. So they sometimes included baby formula, nappies, and culturally appropriate food, including Halal meats.

The recipient families expressed their thankfulness and appreciation of the food parcels provided. Often families reported they were very afraid as Omicron was peaking and they had been in lockdown since August 2021. Some Tongan families were especially afraid as they did not understand all the mandatory changes and what was required of them, as most of the messaging was in English. Siaola supported the families by providing information to isolate and delivered over 2,000 food parcels to Tongan families throughout the Auckland. Siaola also held Covid-19 vaccination events.

The Methodist Alliance is a local donation manager for the Tindall Foundation and we distribute grants in accordance with the Tindall Foundation priorities. Funding rounds are held annually and we report to the Tindall Foundation on the outcomes the grant funding has achieved. You can check out the Tindall Foundation priorities, what is funded and what is not here: https://tindall.org.nz/family/

The Methodist Alliance is very grateful for the Tindall Foundation funding that makes a difference in the lives of many whānau in Aotearoa New Zealand.

If you would like more information about how you can support the Methodist Alliance, the Methodist Missions, please check out their websites or contact me.

Carol Barron
National Coordinator
03 375 0512 | 027 561 9164 | Carol@MethodistAlliance.org.nz