During the Covid-19 lockdown the Whakatane Salvation Army Food Bank is still operating. People can ring 073086923 (available between 10am - 2pm, Monday to Friday), where they will be interviewed via phone and then asked to collect from the premises at an arranged time. Please remember assistance with food is available upon assessment. Clients requiring food assistance must first approach Work and Income for a food grant. However, if declined, they must then have a letter from WINZ and can then phone the Salvation Army. We appreciate all the work the Salvation Army are putting in over this time, so please be patient.

We understand that Work and Income are under immense pressure at this time and people may find it hard to get through. As an alternative, people who have registered with My MSD can apply for a food grant online here: https://my.msd.govt.nz/ . If you have not registered, you can register online and you will need to confirm your registration by phone.

For Kawerau residents, House of Hope also provide food parcels on a Wednesday. In order to access this service you will need to also go through the WINZ process first.
If you need assistance to apply for a food grant please phone the new Bay of Plenty Civil Defence helpline on 0800 884 222. They have said the call centre is able to assist with advice on foodbanks. We also have our hard-working team at Pou Whakaaro ready to assist, please email admin@pouwhakaaro.co.nz or phone 073088170 for information.

For more information on local services available during this time click here.