Sione is the oldest in his family and helps with the younger ones. The food he gets at Just Zilch really helps, but he also finds the people encouraging and respectful.

With Just Zilch's help, I can actually afford to feed my kids.

Jo came through some huge health challenges, during which Just Zilch filled an important need in their family. Now she’s picking up food and delivering it to others who can't make it to the store.

The staff are really cool - we all need to respect what they're doing for us.

I'm treated with respect at Just Zilch… and the people are happy and encouraging. Hayden says the social connection he has with people (both customers and volunteers) is as important as getting food. And that the generosity shown here made him feel like being more generous to others.

95% of those who line up for Just Zilch are here because of need - and the foods alright, can't complain!

We're retired and my husband is unwell. Just Zilch helps us get through the week.

An example  of how the food received from Just Zilch has helped the people in my community is Christmas hampers, in anticipation of service closures across the district, we provided essential support to our clients and families in need, along with a kai for a Christmas day celebration. The feedback received included ‘you guys made our Christmas”, and we even got a video clip of the kids discovering all the special food in the pantry and fridge with so much excitement. One gorgeous little person said “I can see my life flashing before my eyes, I keep opening the cupboards and the food is still there!” We believe everyone should enjoy a special meal for Christmas and we were so thrilled to be able to facilitate that. When there was an overflow of pavlova’s given to earlier this year we created a Facebook campaign to ‘Share your healthy and wellbeing ideas’ to win a Pavlova’. Lots of great ideas were shared on the page, when delivering one of the Pav’s one of the winners was overcome with tears and joy ‘I know it’s just a pav, but I feel like I’ve won the lottery. Once my pension comes through tonight,…

One family in particular has struggled immensely with food. JZ has helped us provide assistance to this family. The connection of food has allowed us to approach and talk to his our boys caregiver who previously was very closed and standoffish. We have been able to build a slow relationship which has been great! This has intern had a positive impact on our young man.

I have been running our pantry for about 3 years, I have regular families that come every single time we are open. They are always extremely grateful. They are often shocked that they can help themselves to food, and feel extremely thankful that this service exists. Lots of parents have said that it feels like Christmas every time they come. As a result of our little pantry our families have grown closer together within our schools, and the pantry is a Friday hotspot for the community to come together. It is also a resource that our families have come to depend on, and when we have nothing to give, we know some of our families will struggle. Our community initiative has been so well received that other schools in our Kahui Ako (group of 16 local schools) are considering running a similar program. It would be amazing if we could get at least one more school working with Just Zilch this year.

Whānau are thankful that every little bit helps. This could be their first kai of the day. What they receive helps to make a meal for their whānau.

There's not really any that stick out, but I think the most reliable thing I could say, is the sheer relief on recipients faces speaks volumes to just how severe the need is becoming. We make it as easy as possible, no questions, no expectations, just a text or a call. Very simple and easy. We'd be absolutely buggered without Just Zilch.

Your donation helped a mum be able to buy rugby boots so her son could play Saturday rugby and had been waiting all year to join and play, as she did not have to spend all her money on food that week at the supermarket.

We have families who are able to save some money on items they can get from us. They try new food and we are there for a weekly contact! We have built some amazing relationships, met new babies, watch children grow. It is very special!

A family in our church had recently immigrated to New Zealand from Samoa and has 7 children who are all attending school. With the father being the only one working and the main source of income in the family, they struggled to feed their children sufficiently. When they came through one of our community programs, we had tables of bread and food from Just Zilch lined up on the tables, ready to be distributed. They received two whole boxes of food that day. That very week the family returned to church, and the man cried saying that not only were they able to feed everyone until they were full, but the children were able to go to school with packed lunches for the very first time since they moved over from Samoa.

We have a family of seven in which both parents work but with their rent being $600 per week plus utilities etc., they are finding it difficult to manage. Until they came to us both parents would miss meals so that their children had enough to eat

I would like to say thank you and the Just Zilch staff for allowing our students from Monrad to come into your space, at the warehouse. It is an awesome experience and opportunity for the students to be involved in the Group Volunteering Program, not only work experience but to build relationships with the other volunteers and being involved in the good mahi that Just Zilch do. Part of my mahi at Monrad Intermediate as the SWiS worker, allows me to engage with the students in programs specific to their needs. A lot of students at this age group go through a lot of emotional needs and behaviors.  Allowing the students to partake in the Group Volunteering Program enables them to build self confidence levels, develop new friendships, be community connective and build positive relationships.  The feedback from the students that have partaken in this program have all come back to kura with a open heart, a feeling of gratitude and pride that they are able give back to those needing kai and also to their own whanau. We have thoroughly enjoyed being part of this program, and already have students of Monrad asking when can we start going back…

I wanted to take pause and a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support of our food rescue efforts. Your dedication to reducing food waste and supporting those in need is truly commendable and we are incredibly fortunate for your generosity which has a real and lasting impact on our community. The social workers I work alongside were just saying this morning how invaluable the support you give us has placed a significant role in helping them connecting and building trust in the family harm space, our social workers in schools also echoed this sediment. On behalf of the Tararua Community Service – Thank you, Thank you  Your support has allowed us to build stronger relationships within the community in addition to clients and their families. I also wanted to let you know that we recently featured your contributions in a Facebook post. We believe it’s essential to acknowledge the amazing support you give us. Janine Bonny Welfare Response Coordinator