Black and grey with basic line work and symbols is Barry Black's speciality, and he's leaving a lasting effect on people - not just in tattoo form.

Tattooing and food banks don't often cross paths, but for this Tauranga tattoo artist, mixing the two together makes perfect sense.

He has recently started up a cause called Food Drive Tattoo, where clients bring in non-perishable food items in return for a cheaper tattoo.

'I wanted to do something that was different and unusual, to show how important food banks and community centres are to Tauranga,” says Barry.

Barry has always been creative. He started out doing drawings and typography but found it hard to get his name out there until a friend of a friend mentioned he should try tattooing instead.

'The guy had a tattoo studio and he trained me up,” says Barry. 'I really liked the concept of it all, and because I'm pretty out-going and I like crazy art, tattooing felt like home.

'The most important part for me is what tattooing gives to people, and that they will always have that memory in their mind.”

While on his apprenticeship, however, he went through a tough time. He struggled to pay his weekly rent and would often open his pantry to find it completely empty.

'One time my neighbours came and gave me some bread,” he says, 'because my cupboards were empty man. It was pretty bad.

'I said ‘where did you get this from?' and they were like ‘oh, the food bank' and I was like ‘what? There's a place that just gives you food?'”

Ironically, Barry's saviour was only just down the road. He says the food bank helped him get back on his feet and, more importantly, gave him a place to talk to others about the issues he was dealing with.

'It was a great way to get out of my head space and helped me get through my apprenticeship in tattooing, because I wasn't earning much at the time.”

He says he wants to spread awareness of how important services like this are to the community.

'I want people to be aware that they can volunteer at community centres and food banks, and also donate and just support where they can,” says Barry.

People wanting a cheaper tattoo will need to bring five items of food, such as pasta, lentils and spices. Those items will then be taken to the different food banks in the Western Bay of Plenty.

'What tattoo studios will charge for an $80 to $100 tattoo, I will charge $45,” says Barry. 'It's not about the money, it's about helping out the community.”

To donate food in exchange for a cheaper tattoo, go to Barry's Facebook Page Tat24food.