Hamilton charities benefit from Foodstuffs expo donations

Local charities got a much needed pantry top-up last week, when suppliers at the Foodstuffs expo donated pallets of groceries, chilled and frozen foods to the Te Whakaruruhau Māori Women’s Refuge and the Salvation Army Community Ministries in Hamilton.

Foodstuffs Auckland Managing Director Murray Jordan says he is pleased to be able to support these worthy local causes. “This is the first time we’ve held the expo in Hamilton, and it’s fantastic that we were able to put the products from the supplier stands to good use.”

Ariana Simpson from Te Whakaruruhau says it was overwhelming to see the food donation arrive at their offices.

“Our staff have been inundated with urgent requests from families for food, clothing and household essentials, and the gift couldn’t have come at a better time. Food parcels are handed out every day, so along with the produce from our vegetable garden, the donated items will make up healthy food packages to help those who are in need.”

“In addition, some of the food will be used to assist the families who are triaged at our office into our residential or community services, as they often arrive hungry and basically only in the clothes they managed to get out in,” says Simpson.

Te Whakaruruhau Inc was established in 1987 as a Māori Women’s Refuge and Advocacy Service for women and children fleeing from abuse and violence, helping around 100 families a week through their 24/7 crisis response unit and four community safe-houses.

The annual Foodstuffs conference saw more than 2,500 Foodstuffs suppliers and staff from around the country gather in Hamilton, with over 200 exhibits showcasing the latest grocery innovations and product solutions.