The Christchurch City Mission is opening the South Island’s first supermarket-style self-serve foodbank. It is part of an $11 million redevelopment completed over the past two years.
Missioner Corinne Haines said for some struggling people, shopping at big supermarkets could be intimidating. The new foodbank – operational later this month – would run a bit like a supermarket, where clients could pick and choose items with support from staff. Haines said it would help clients with practical skills to shop for healthy meals, with staff leading them through the process of choosing ingredients.
Foodbank coordinator Steve Brinsden said it would change the way the City Mission gave out parcels.
The redevelopment had been a four-year plan. In October last year the Mission opened the first stage of it – an on-site cafe and transitional housing building. On Thursday, the Mission opened the last part with the new foodbank, as well as a warehouse area and offices.
Credit: radionz.co.nz
