Katikati Emergency Services Foodbank Drive Returns 2 December

Katikati residents will hear the town's fire siren on Tuesday evening, 2 December, as the annual Emergency Services Foodbank Drive gets under way from 6.30pm. Volunteers from the fire brigade, NZ Police, Red Cross and St John will walk the streets collecting non-perishable donations to help restock the Katikati Christian Foodbank.

Foodbank manager Sue Spriggens says her team has already handed out more than 1300 food parcels this year, feeding around 4500 people — a 9% rise on last year. The cost of keeping the foodbank stocked has jumped sharply, with more than $36,000 spent on food for basic parcels alone so far in 2025. Demand shows no sign of easing, with roughly 100 or more people fed each week.

Spriggens points to housing costs as a key driver of hardship. Rents of $500 or more a week are common, leaving families and elderly residents with nothing set aside for unexpected expenses. She says the number of people living in their cars in Katikati has risen noticeably this year.

Residents are asked to meet emergency services personnel at the end of their driveway with non-perishable items such as rice, pasta, cereals, tinned food, baby food, nappies and toiletries. Cash donations will also be accepted on the night. Those not home can use the foodbank's donation trolley, which is available 24/7 near the checkouts at Katikati Woolworths, or drop items at the foodbank at 2 Wedgewood Street, behind the Baptist church, on weekdays between 10.30am and midday. For more information phone 027 203 7373 or email katikatifoodbank@gmail.com.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).