Countdown’s Rescue partner Just Zilch has opened new food bank premises in Palmerston North and will be supported by all four nearby Countdown stores.
At the opening event, the charity received from Countdown $1000 worth of vouchers to buy food they may need. The supermarket chain also supports Just Zilch through a weekly donation of $100.
“As part of our commitment to being active locally, our policy is to donate food that is still fit for consumption, wherever possible, to community charity partners within our communities. In the last year alone, we provided $3.5 million worth of food throughout New Zealand,” said Dave Chambers, managing director of Countdown.
The custom purpose free-store operates five days a week between 4.30 and 6pm, with the help of volunteers.
“On average we have 142 people through our doors every day, and I know they are appreciative of the kind donations of our suppliers. Just Zilch simply wouldn’t exist without the generous support of companies like Countdown,” said Rebecca Culver, director of Just Zilch.
