Christchurch Food Banks Directory
Our guide lists Christchurch's most reliable and active food banks, alongside must-know tips and food bank alternatives
Updated 30 September 2020
This guide contains an extensive list of food banks operating all over Christchurch. We have published this information to make food parcels accessible. Before visiting a food bank, we suggest calling in advance and asking about the opening hours and requirements. Doing so will avoid any disappointment, stress and frustration.
This is the first version of this guide - if you would like to share any tips, insights or information, please contact our research team.
Important: Food Grants from Work and Income may be a better first point of call, rather than an Christchurch food bank
This guide contains an extensive list of food banks operating all over Christchurch. We have published this information to make food parcels accessible. Before visiting a food bank, we suggest calling in advance and asking about the opening hours and requirements. Doing so will avoid any disappointment, stress and frustration.
This is the first version of this guide - if you would like to share any tips, insights or information, please contact our research team.
Important: Food Grants from Work and Income may be a better first point of call, rather than an Christchurch food bank
- Our guide to Work and Income's Food Grants assistance explains how you can apply for emergency assistance.
- Applications are assessed quickly, and if you are approved, a Food Grant is a type of assistance that you don’t need to pay back.
- There are some limitations about what you can buy, and you can’t get cash or change.
- A Food Grant provides a simple and discrete way of getting the assistance you need - our guide explains everything you need to know.
Know this first - Get Prepared for Your Food Bank Visit
When visiting food banks, it pays to come prepared with everything you need to satisfy the food bank staff. In general, documents should include:
Other considerations:
- Photo ID (i.e. driver's licence or passport)
- Proof of address (i.e. bank statement) so the food bank knows you're eligible for its service (as some limit food parcels to people in their area).
- A letter from Work and Income saying your request for a food grant has been denied (if this is applicable).
- If you are on a benefit, bring a breakdown of your payment (this can be found on MyMSD under payment information).
Other considerations:
- Get organised - Food banks have set visiting times, but there's no guarantee you'll be seen (so be prepared in advance and don't leave it until the last minute to get help)
- Ask for help - You may need some assistance taking the food parcel home - if you don't have transport, consider taking a friend to help you carry items home.
- Know the limits - Most food banks have limits - for example, up to three parcels within a three month period.
15+ Christchurch Food Banks Available Right Now
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The Society of St Vincent de Paul, Christchurch
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Generation House Rolleston
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Linwood Food Bank
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Canterbury Food Bank
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Salvation ArmyThe Salvation Army has almost locations all over Christchurch to get help with your food needs. They provide short-term food assistance as well as assistance in other areas, including clothing and furniture. They’ll also help you get set up in other areas of your life for long-term support, including classes on parenting, budgeting, and housing.
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Christchurch City Mission
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Kaiapoi Foodbank
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Aranui Foodbank |
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Delta Community Trust
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Ellesmere Food Bank
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Catholic Social Services |
Related Guides
- Food Grants - outlining the assistance available from Work and Income (and how to get what you need)
- Navigating Work and Income - an essential must-read guide that explains everything you need to know about dealing with Work and Income before visiting your local office
- myMSD - we explain why myMSD is, how it works, why it's essential and must-know tips and facts
- Understanding urgent costs and living expense assistance - we explain what's available to anyone in urgent need
- Understanding the Accommodation Supplement - despite its complexities, our guide reveals everything you need to know about how it works
- Understanding Jobseeker Support - we explain how this benefit works and reveal tips to make sure you're supported for as long as you need to be.
- Disability Allowance - we walk through the basics of those who need extra support
- Loans for Unemployed - If you're unemployed, this guide outlines the types of loan available. We look at Work and Income support, as well as the potential risks of taking a loan and the cost-effective alternatives you may apply for
- Understanding Superannuation (NZ Super) - our guide walks you through how it works, what you're entitled to and must-know tips to help your payments go further.
- Working for Families - our guide explains the scheme in detail
