So far, New Zealand’s first online food bank has been a success. Created by Nelson web developer Lucid in collaboration with the Salvation Army and Countdown stores, the ‘Foodbank Project’ is an online grocery donation platform that allows donors to select from a list of much-needed food items and make a donation. They can also set it up as a recurring purchase.
Following a three-month pilot in Auckland, the project is now being rolled out throughout the country, particularly in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. Last year, the Salvation Army distributed more than 55,000 food parcels to Kiwis in need, and this number is set to increase by 7.6 percent in 2015.
“Meeting this level of demand always proves to be a tough challenge, but The Foodbank Project looks set to make a significant contribution,” said Major Pam Waugh, head of social services, The Salvation Army.
Pat McEntee, Countdown’s acting managing director, welcomedthe initiative.
“This is an innovative extension of our Food Rescue Programme, which has been running for five years and last year saw us donate more than $3.5 million of food to food banks throughout New Zealand,” said McEntee.
FIRST ONLINE FOOD BANK A SUCCESS
