Or Genny for short, and she’s a sign of just how the community has rallied behind the Martinborough Foodbank since it started in 2020.
WBS visited the foodbank on a wet Friday afternoon, bearing $2000 worth of pantry staples as part of what has become an annual donation to each of the local foodbanks.
Since the foodbank was established just prior to the first Covid lockdown, demand for food parcels has increased exponentially, and the team of volunteers has adapted its processes to suit the local community and keep up with demand.
Food parcels are packed according to individual ‘shopping lists’, My Food Bag-style meal kits are available, and volunteers provide support that goes beyond just groceries to get through the week.
Originally set up to operate alongside WaiWaste Food Rescue, the Martinborough Foodbank has taken on a life of its own, and now has 22 volunteers supporting around 50 local families at any one time. They gratefully receive donations from local food producers – honey, fruit, veges, dairy products and meat.
Genny, the pig, is part of that community effort; she’s looked after by a local farmer and is fed any leftovers and food that’s too old or unsuitable for food parcels.
P&K Martinborough are great supporters, providing much of the foodbank’s weekly shop at cost, and donating near or just expired products and the previous day’s bread and baked goods.
WBS is grateful to P&K for generously making their $2000 donation go as far as possible, helping to provide a much-needed boost to the foodbank shelves.
WBS has donated $2000 to each of the four local Wairarapa foodbanks, alongside it’s recent Community Funding Round. The funding round saw $67,000 shared among 40 local community groups, contributing to various projects including new shade equipment for the Cancer Society’s shade loan programme, trapping equipment for environmental groups, kitchen utensils for community cooking classes, a defibrillator and community exhibition costs.
WBS CEO Jennie Mitchell acknowledged the invaluable work of volunteers, noting that many of the applications reflected the significant need in the community at the moment. “There are so many incredible people who volunteer their time to keep these community groups going. Services such as the foodbanks simply couldn’t operate without volunteers, and it is a privilege for WBS to do our bit in supporting them.”
Martinborough Foodbank Coordinator May Croft says all community support is very much appreciated. “It’s such an encouragement to both the clients and to the volunteers to know we are part of an extended community that cares about what happens for those who are struggling to make ends meet.”
