SunLive – The Hub Te Puke faces growing funding challenge

Lately the media has focused on the impending closure of the Dave Letele Food Bank in South Auckland.

This has drawn attention to the dwindling funding pool while needs continue to grow.

EmpowermentNZ Trust is the foundation behind The Hub. Chairman Lee Harrison says what sets The Hub in Te Puke apart is its phenomenal support for local businesses and the community.

Since the day we opened, funds from our region have strengthened our ability to help our neighbors overcome difficult times. The passion and determination continues as the needs grow.

As the cost of living continues to rise, the demand for food support in communities like Te Puke is growing.

Hub Te Puke, a vital local service providing food and social support, is under strain as more families, elderly and vulnerable people turn to them for help.

While The Hub remains committed to helping those in need, increasing demand and rising operating costs are straining resources.

Recent research by the New Zealand Food Network (NZFN) has found a sharp increase in food insecurity (ie the confidence that we can provide enough food for our families) across the country, with the number of people requiring food support , has increased by 165% since the start of the 2020 pandemic. .

Many food banks, including The Hub Te Puke, are seeing a growing number of families struggling to put food on the table.

Despite growing need, funding to maintain these services has lagged.

For food hubs like The Hub Te Puke, funding is critical not only to meet current levels of demand, but also to ensure they can continue to support the community in the long term.

Although the Hub has managed to provide essential services in difficult circumstances, it is clear that further financial support is required to continue at this rate.

Local and national funding streams are critical to keeping goods on shelves and services available.

The growing need for Te Puke reflects wider national trends, with many food hubs reporting a significant increase in the number of new recipients.

As more people and families struggle to make ends meet, food banks have become increasingly important to survival.

The closure of the BBM (Butterbean Motivation) food bank in South Auckland reminds us that it takes more than just goodwill to keep services running.

Now more than ever, The Hub needs increased local and national support to continue its operations and provide critical support to the people of Te Puke.

Our current budget is in deficit and we have big plans to stay put, ensuring Te Puke remains a place where everyone can thrive.

■ Scott Nicholson is CEO of The Hub Te Puke.

-Te Puke Times.