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Forestry families continue to be hit hard by the financial impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) but East Coast Community Foodbank, supported by Gisborne businesses and the public, is offering full support.

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East Coast Community Foodbank spokesman Johnathan Pere said the foodbank had given out 61 food parcels since the announcement of forestry industry workers being laid off,

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“What is really surprising is that other families in need tell me they would rather have their parcels be given directly to those forestry families.

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“The logging community is a priority at this moment, but others who need our assistance, please still contact us.”

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East Coast Community Foodbank featured on TVNZ's I News last night.

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Mr Pere told the channel the foodbank was busy with food requests from forestry workers.

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“Not only have their wages been completely halved, their wages have been completely cut,” he said.

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One forestry worker, on reduced pay and using the foodbank, told TVNZ her whanau had to cancel plans to buy their Housing NZ home.

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“Yesterday was OK with the pay. Hopefully it's not too bad next fortnight.”

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EastCoast Food Community Foodbank was grateful to all donors, especially “our regular locals who have supported and donated to us before the virus outbreak”, said Mr Pere.

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“We recently received a huge boost to our shelves by CPS Civil Project Services, who wanted to donate in wake of the logging lay-offs. Two of their staff, Drew Williamson and Simone Grogan, and myself did a big shop at Pak'nSave.

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“Other community organisations like Turanganui a Kiwa Activity Centre have given us a huge boost and there has been a recent inquiry of support from Taiki E! Tairawhiti Impact House.

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“When we receive those big donations we can provide families immediate assistance with no questions asked.

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“We provide delivery, which helps families, because most cannot afford petrol or do not have a vehicle.

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“I'm organising volunteers who will deliver parcels up the Coast, and to Patutahi, Manutuke, and Te Karaka, so we can reach more families at designated drop-off zones.”

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Foodbank always in need of donations

Mr Pere said powdered milk, tin foods — including tin fruits — sugar, cereals, flour, vegetables, toilet paper, and hygiene products seemed to be the main items families were wanting.

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Mothers needed expensive products like sanitary items but “tell me they buy food rather than tend to their own needs”.

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The foodbank always needed more donations.

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“Donations will be needed now and forever because at this moment we have a coronavirus, but we also want to be prepared for a natural disaster to hit the area or if other industries are hit with loss of jobs.

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“East Coast Community Foodbank works by people and community power, and right now that is working naturally and progressively,” said Mr Pere.

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But the foodbank would also directly contact big companies for support, he said.

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The foodbank can be contacted through its Facebook page, by emailing eastcoastfoodbank@gmail.com or by phoning 027 390 5752.

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