The Foodbank Project
Founded by William and Catherine Booth in 1865, The Salvation Army has been conquering poverty, along with social/spiritual distress globally. Every year, in New Zealand the Salvation Army assists more than 120,000 families and individuals with food and clothing, life skills programmes, budgeting advice and other comfort/support. With a worldwide pandemic occurring, The Salvation Army is worried about the growing number of people who are struggling to purchase groceries due to the Coronavirus Lockdown. In response to this, The Salvation Army are asking New Zealanders who are in a position to assist, to donate and keep the food banks stocked. If you are in a position to donate and would like to help struggling families, you can donate to “The Foodbank Project”, on their online foodbank, at www.foodbank.org.nz.
On Wednesday 24th June, three project groups from RSHS went to The Salvation Army in Hamilton Central, London Street, to prepare food boxes which will be distributed to many struggling families in our community.
Upon arrival, everyone was separated into two teams, who were then separated into smaller groups. Each team had the same goal in mind, to assist families in need during this pandemic by packaging as many food boxes as possible. Everyone did a different task; from transferring powdered products into small ziplock bags, making the boxes, as well as restocking the groceries onto the bench where they were later packed into family parcels. During the lockdown, 70 - 80 food parcels per day were being distributed. The need for these food parcels has since gone down, however 30 - 40 food parcels per day are still being distributed.
Hard work, determination and enthusiasm were displayed by everyone helping out. The 180 food parcels made by RSHS students today will be distributed to families in our community who need them.
We would like to thank all the people who have donated food, and the Salvation Army for all the work they have done taking care of people in our community during the Coronavirus pandemic.
