Foodstuffs South Island stores provide $250k boost to South Island foodbanks and communities this Christmas

Lucy Boock, Foodstuffs South Island Community Trust Chair, and Kirsty Elstone, Christchurch City Mission Foodbank Team Leader inside the Mission’s foodbank warehouse

Foodstuffs South Island stores are helping make this Christmas a little brighter with a $250,000 boost to foodbanks and community partners throughout the South Island.

The Foodstuffs South Island Community Trust, funded by local New World, PAK’nSAVE and Four Square store owner-operators, is providing the contribution to 29 organisations, just in time for Christmas, one of their busiest times of the year. The Trust has upped their contribution by an extra $50,000 this year.

Foodstuffs South Island stores are owned and operated by local grocers who serve and support their communities. Each store has close ties and networks within their community, and partner with a local foodbank or organisation so that any product that would otherwise be thrown out can be shared with those in the community who need it most.

“We know this time of the year can be tough for many people, so we’ve reached out to the local foodbanks and community organisations we support and partner with throughout the South Island to help spread some joy throughout our communities this holiday season,” says Lucy Boock, Chair of the Foodstuffs South Island Community Trust. 

“We hope this contribution makes a meaningful difference to the communities we serve this Christmas.”

Last year, Foodstuffs South Island Community Trust donated $200,000 to local foodbanks and food rescue organisations in the lead-up to Christmas. In the 2024 financial year, the Trust donated over $406k to South Island communities.

In addition, Foodstuffs South Island and Foodstuffs North Island donated the equivalent of more than 7.8 million meals across New Zealand. This was made possible through partnerships with community organisations, foodbanks and food rescue organisations. Currently, 90% of New World and PAK’nSAVE stores across the country support and partner with a food rescue organisation or foodbank.

Read more about how our co-ops are supporting and giving back to local communities across New Zealand here: https://www.foodstuffs-si.co.nz/here-for-nz

Foodstuffs South Island stores’ $250k community contribution this Christmas