Through COVID-19 and the rise in the cost of living, Port Taranaki has been helping families in need by providing meat packs to New Plymouth Community Foodbank.
“We’re about to tick over five years of support, which we’re very proud of,” Port Taranaki general manager commercial Ross Dingle said as the port renewed its sponsorship for the next 12 months.
“It’s been a very difficult few years for many in the community, and many more people have needed to access help from foodbanks and other social services.
“We’re very pleased that we’ve been able to provide some support and relief by financing these meat packs that have helped make a real difference to many families and individuals.”
Each week, for the past five years, Port Taranaki has funded 500g packets of mince and sausages that have been included in food parcels distributed by New Plymouth Community Foodbank.
New Plymouth butchery TLC Meats has provided the meat products to Port Taranaki at cost price and has prepared the packets for pick-up and delivery.
“We haven’t kept a total of how many meat packs we’ve provided over the years, but it would be several thousand, which is fantastic,” Mr Dingle said.
“Tony Varga and the team at TLC Meats have been incredibly supportive – they’ve never put their price up despite meat prices rising considerably, which is amazing.”
Port Taranaki is owned by the community through the Taranaki Regional Council, and the port looks to support the community when and where it can.
“Foodbanks provide an important service, and the managers and volunteers do an incredible job, but they rely solely on donations, so we want to support them as best as we’re able.”
New Plymouth Community Foodbank manager Sharon Wills said the ongoing support was invaluable.
“We’re very thankful to Port Taranaki and TLC Meats, as it’s the consistency of the supply of the meat products that really makes a difference,” Ms Wills said.
“The cost of living has increased so much recently that everyone has to cut back, and if we ask people what they need the most, they say fruit and vegetables, toilet paper, and meat.
“This support gives us the confidence that we’ll have meat products we can put in food parcels every day.”
Ms Wills said mince and sausages were perfect for making healthy family meals.
“They’re so versatile. People can extend them by adding the likes of legumes, beans, and vegetables, so they provide great protein-based meals for families.
“And they’re very easy to prepare for people who don’t have the facilities. We support people who are living in cars, and mince and sausages are easy to prepare on the likes of a BBQ or if they have a little gas cooker.”
For those in the community able to help, Ms Wills said New Plymouth Community Foodbank currently required toilet paper and soap.
“They’re basic hygiene items that we all take for granted, but they’re really needed and appreciated.”
Photo: Port Taranaki property and stakeholder coordinator Sarah Henderson and New Plymouth Community Foodbank manager Sharon Wills.
