New Zealand supermarket chain Countdown has partnered with The Salvation Army to launch this year's Countdown Food Rescue Christmas Appeal. The appeal comes as food parcel demands continue to remain high, especially during the Christmas season. As part of the appeal, Countdown will donate 90,000 dollars’ worth of groceries to The Salvation Army with the aim of helping 17,000 kiwi families in need.
The Salvation Army’s National Secretary for welfare services, Major Pamela Waugh, said that the demand for food parcels is at an all-time high and historically, there is always a peak in food parcel demand over the festive season.
“Each Christmas, thousands of New Zealanders face the fear of being unable to put Christmas dinner on the table for their families. Last year, we saw a 12 percent increase in demand, giving out our second highest number of food parcels in a decade. This year is looking to remain at those same high levels.”
As part of the campaign, shoppers will also be able to donate food in specially marked trolleys in-store, or online via The Foodbank Project, New Zealand’s only online food bank.
Countdown hopes that the appeal will make Christmas time that little bit easier for New Zealand families. “A food parcel can make all the difference for families this Christmas. Every New Zealander deserves to celebrate Christmas without hunger, which is why each donation, no matter how big or small, can make a huge difference to the lives of families in our communities,” said Kiri Hannifin, Countdown’s general manager corporate affairs and sustainability.
Most-needed food items for Countdown’s Food Rescue Christmas Appeal:
- Canned goods, e.g. baked beans, tomatoes and soup
- Toiletries, e.g. soap, shampoo, moisturiser and beauty essentials
- Pasta and rice
- Sugar, flour and spreads
- Tinned fruit, jellies
- Baby food
- Tea, coffee, Milo
- Christmas treats, e.g. chocolates, Christmas mince pies, Christmas cakes, sweet treats
