400 per cent rise in food parcel demand in West Auckland

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Western Leader

A contactless drive-through food service has seen a surge in demand following the snap lockdown.

250 cars collected 300 food parcels from Vision West’s Pātaka Kai to provide for local families last Friday, a 400 per cent increase on normal days.

Spokesperson Brooke Turner said there is a massive need and it “feels like alert level 5”.

“The most common reason we hear is that cause the kids are at home we burn through supplies faster,” he said.

“There’s far more fear and anxiety with delta variant, we have people coming and getting parcels for their neighbours who are afraid to go out.”

But Brooke said he was proud of the Kiwi spirit to help their neighbours.

“Our staff are remarkably resilient and committed to making sure that people are supported.”

What are you doing to look out for your neighbours this lockdown?