Pātaka Kai

The impact of Covid and the cost-of-living increase saw food support requests rise from 250 (July 2021) to 1,100 parcels per week (Sept 2021).

By June 2022, this had tracked back to around 400 parcels per week – still significantly more than the previous year.

This level of demand placed immense pressure on all aspects of the Pātaka Kai operation. An increased number of parcels to pack meant more staff were required. Although only temporary, the team swelled from two to six paid staff at one point. The need to store more food led to a strain on our storage facilities and a larger warehouse facility is being sought.

Covid lockdowns once again forced us to pivot to a drive-through distribution model and then to a food delivery model over the space of a month. Experience gained from previous lockdowns enabled us to do this quickly and efficiently. Once out of lockdown, many client whānau were in Covid isolation meaning a home delivery service was still required.

We are thankful to both staff and community volunteers, community support and support from Glen Eden Baptist Church for enabling this service.