Throughout June, Rotary clubs across New Zealand are uniting for a nationwide effort to collect one million cans of food in support of local food banks.

The initiative, called “Cans for a Cause”, is a response to the growing need for food assistance amid the country’s worsening cost-of-living crisis.

“Many families across New Zealand are struggling to put food on the table for their whānau and urgently need support,” said Kathy Webb of the Rotary Club of Tauranga Sunrise.

“We are committed to collecting one million cans of food to support local food banks in our communities.”

The project is being led by Rotary District Governors across New Zealand, who are coordinating this national Rotary food collection campaign. According to District 9930 Governor Nick Dangerfield, more than 20% of New Zealanders now rely on weekly food assistance.

“This urgent need is being felt in our own communities, with food banks under significant and growing pressure,” Dangerfield said. “Through this campaign, Rotary clubs across the country are taking coordinated, grassroots action to help relieve food poverty.”

The campaign aligns with Rotary International’s Area of Focus on Community Economic Development, aiming to reduce poverty, bolster local support networks and empower communities.

How you CAN help

In the Tauranga area, Rotary-branded collection boxes have been placed in Woolworth’s supermarkets. From June 9-16, members of the public are encouraged to purchase non-perishable food items while shopping and place them in the Rotary collection boxes outside selected supermarkets; or donate cash, which will be used to purchase high-need food items for local food banks.

Webb said the most needed items include canned fish, baked beans and spaghetti, canned vegetables and fruit, soup, diced tomatoes, spreads, rice, pasta and cereals.

Tauranga Community Foodbank chair Simon Beaton with fellow Rotary Club of Tauranga Sunrise Rotarian Kathy Webb. Photo/Brydie Thompson.

Several local Rotary clubs are actively participating in the campaign with collection events scheduled across Tauranga. On Friday, June 13, Rotary Pāpāmoa will be at Pāpāmoa Plaza; on Saturday and Sunday, June 14-15 Rotary Tauranga Sunrise will be at Bethlehem Woolworths; on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 17-18 Rotary Te Papa will be at Fraser Cove Woolworths

Earlier this month, Rotary members had already made significant progress. Rotary Tauranga and Otumoetai collected 690 cans, 201 dry goods, and $233.80 in donations at Woolworths Bureta Park from June 3-4.

Rotary Katikati held collections at Woolworths Katikati, Katikati Primary School, Katikati College, and Katch Katikati/Openair Arts Centre on June 10, with all donations going to the Katikati Foodbank.

“Every can counts, and you can help,” Webb said. “By contributing to ‘Cans for a Cause’, New Zealanders can help make a tangible difference in the lives of those experiencing food insecurity.

“Together, we can reach one million cans – and support the communities who need it most.”

For more information, visit: rotary9930.org