Christchurch Food Bank Directory
Our guide lists Christchurch's most reliable and active food banks, alongside must-know tips and food bank alternatives.
Updated 23 August 2026
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 a 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 a 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.
Christchurch Food Banks Available Right Now
Know This First: The Salvation Army - Foodbanks Throughout Christchurch
- The Salvation Army runs New Zealand's largest foodbank network, providing food parcels, alongside budgeting help, clothing and longer-term support.
- Please note that not every Salvation Army site offers food - Family Stores, for example, are retail shops and don't provide food parcels. For this reason, we don't list individual branches. Instead, phone 0800 53 00 00 or use the Salvation Army's own map of welfare centres, which shows every location currently offering assistance: Find your nearest Salvation Army foodbank
- As with any foodbank, we suggest phoning ahead to confirm opening hours and what you'll need to bring.
- Please note, MoneyHub has no relationship in any form with the Salvation Army - we publish this information to help New Zealanders find what they need.
The Society of St Vincent de Paul, Christchurch
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The Society of St Vincent de Paul provides food support for families in need. Complete this form and someone will call you back or contact them below.
Contact information: Address: 265 Stanmore Rd, Richmond, Christchurch, NZ Phone: 03 389 7484 ext. 1 and leave a message Text: 0273589400 Email: [email protected] |
Generation House Rolleston
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Complete this form to request assistance
Contact information: Address: 646 Springston Rolleston Rd, Rolleston Phone: 03 347 0934 Email: [email protected] Foodbank Hours: Tuesdays and Fridays: 9.30am - 2.30pm |
Christchurch City Mission
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If you are in need of assistance please contact Christchurch City Mission.
Contact Information: Address: 276 Hereford St Christchurch Phone: 03 365 0635 Email: [email protected] Food Bank Hours: Monday - Friday: 9am - 12.30pm |
Kaiapoi Foodbank
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The distribution of meals for Kaiapoi clients is coordinated through Kaiapoi Community Support.
Contact Information: Address: 24 Sewell Street Kaiapoi Phone: 03 327 8945 Email: [email protected] |
Aranui Foodbank
Delta Community Trust
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Families in the Richmond area may get emergency food parcels in-store. More information here.
Contact Information: Address: 101 North Avon Road Richmond, Christchurch 8148 Phone: 03 89 0212 Email: [email protected] |
Ellesmere Food Bank
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You must make an appointment before visiting Ellesmere Food Bank.
Contact Information: Address: 6 Woodville Street Leeston Phone: 03 324 3576, 027 715 7721, 027 715 6353 Email: [email protected] |
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
