The Pāpāmoa community is once again rallying for the 2025 Emergency Services Food Drive, taking place from 5.30pm next Tuesday, November 25.

This annual initiative, believed to be the largest food drive in New Zealand, brings together police, fire, ambulance and other emergency services, supported by about 250 dedicated volunteers, to collect food and essential items for families in need throughout Pāpāmoa.

The 2024 Pāpāmoa Food Drive haul.

Pāpāmoa Neighbourhood Support co-ordinator and drive co-organiser Bruce Banks said in 2024, the Pāpāmoa community donated the equivalent of 67 standard 6x4 trailer-loads of donations.

“This year we hope to improve on that,” Banks said.

Sirens will echo

On the evening of the food drive, residents will hear sirens echoing through Pāpāmoa’s streets as emergency service vehicles form a procession along designated collection routes.

Banks said there is no cause for concern. “These sirens signal a community-wide effort to combat hunger and hardship.

“Volunteers will be collecting donations from letterboxes and the front of properties, so residents are encouraged to have their contributions ready for collection or come out and say hello.”

All collected items will be taken to the Pāpāmoa Food Hub.

Banks said following the main event, a second group of volunteers will spend the next two to three weeks meticulously sorting, boxing and storing donations to ensure efficient distribution and minimal waste.

Non-perishable food

The drive accepts all non-perishable food items, including tinned food, breakfast food, long-life milk, dental hygiene products, nursery essentials, sanitary items, pet food and cash donations.

Emergency services volunteers helping with a previous Pāpāmoa Emergency Food Drive.

Banks said people should note that expired or past their best-before date items, opened items, fresh or frozen food and home preserves cannot be accepted.

“We urge people to donate newly purchased items to help achieve the goal of a near zero-waste collection,” he said.

The first Pāpāmoa Food Bank Drive in December 2023.

“Please do not grab all those old items from the back of the pantry but preferably donate newly-purchased items so that we can get close to 100% waste-free.”

Every donation helps

With sirens sounding a call to action rather than alarm, Banks said every donation helps ensure no family in Pāpāmoa goes without. “Whether you’re donating, volunteering, or spreading the word, your contribution makes a real difference.”

For more information, contact the Pāpāmoa Food Hub or follow updates on community notice boards and social media.