Crossroads Malborough has seen a 110 percent increase in demand for its food support services since the end of January, as more households struggle to cope with the rising cost of living.
Offering breakfast and lunch daily at their Redwood Street Hub, as well as grocery packs, frozen meals and a weekly community dinner, the organisation is seeing “more people reach out than ever before,” says coordinator Jeanine Sadd.
The insights coincide with new figures from New Zealand’s Hunger Monitor, showing that three in 10 households across Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough could not reliably afford enough food over the past year.
The regional figure is based on responses from 168 people surveyed across the Top of the South and closely mirrors the national rate of 31 percent.
Among households experiencing food insecurity that identified living costs as a reason, 86 percentpointed to the cost of food and groceries, while 76 percent cited power bills and energy costs.
Jeanine says “the findings of the Hunger Monitor report reflect what we are seeing locally. Many individuals and families are having to make difficult choices between essential expenses such as housing, power, transport, and food.”
Crossroads provided 5312 items across their community meal and food support services in July alone.
“The numbers for our community dinner have skyrocketed. Last night we served 100 portions,” she adds.
Crossroads chef Dina Humphreys says she needs more volunteers to help in the kitchen to keep up with the demand.
She explains she is effectively cooking another 2-3 community dinners each week, to portion into frozen ready meals for people to pick up.
Jeanine thinks the “huge demand” for their frozen items could relate to people being mindful of transport costs. Stopping by one or twice a week and collecting several meals helps them avoid multiple trips, she says.
Crossroads has 54 volunteers and is always in need of more helpers to support across all areas. Ten people volunteer during their busy community dinner nights, with the team hoping to recruit more to assist with food preparation and service.
“We just need a variety of people so that we’re not overworking each individual,” Jeanine adds.
Despite their higher workload, Crossroads Hub remains bright and welcoming – a place to pause, replenish and have a chat, or grab a bite and carry on.
Janine says that that food insecurity and social isolation seem to go hand in hand. Shame and embarrassment were among the most common reasons for not seeking help in the Hunger Monitor.
For many people, the café is more than a place to get a meal, she says, but a space to build a judgement-free support system.
“It offers connection, friendship, and a sense of belonging. Most days, the café is full, highlighting the need not only for kai support but also for opportunities to connect with others in a welcoming environment.
Kai brings the people together after all.”
