Community volunteers need more food and blankets as the homeless head into winter
• April 1, 2026
Philanthropist group steps up in Aotea square as hunger rises. Photo: Zach Shanahan-Trainer
An Auckland community food service is calling for donations to help the growing number of people it supports.
The group of eight Chileans meet every Tuesday in Aotea Square to distribute food and drinks.
One of the organisers, Jessica Gonzalez, said demand varied each week depending on how many people turn up.
“There's more and more people in need, so every week is a challenge . . . now we’re preparing food for 70 people every Tuesday.”
The team after serving a long line of people in need. Photo: Zach Shanahan-Trainer
Gonzalez and her husband, Marco, started the initiative two years ago with their friends.
“We don't belong to any church or organisation - just a group of friends with the same heart.
“We supply everything here . . . we pay for everything,” she said.
Marco said the group’s motivation was to share love and kindness with others.
“It’s more than a relationship [with people] - we smile, hug and shake their hands because they don’t receive any of that on the street."
The New Zealand Food Network says food insecurity is no longer a marginal issue in New Zealand.
"It is affecting households across the country, often quietly, often unexpectedly, and with increasing frequency.”
Supplies are prepared from around 10am to be handed out nine hours later. Photo: Zach Shanahan-Trainer
One helper, Romina Andrade, posted on the Lynfield community Facebook page asking for support where possible.
“It's something we fund completely out of our own pockets, and by the grace of God, we've never had to stop.
“[We do it] every week for those who need to get their bread and a hot coffee - rain or shine.”
In the lead-up to winter, the groups is seeking blankets, track pants, beanies, and other warm clothing.
Jessica Gonzalez says, “we need to bring more and more [blankets] when it's raining because they are wet," said Jessica.
A report from the New Zealand Food Network says more than 500,000 people are supported by food banks each month.
Thirty-three per cent of households have reported experiencing some form of food insecurity in the past 12 months.
Nearly 70 per cent of those households said it was the first time they had experienced a food shortage.
According to the Salvation Army, homelessness in Auckland more than doubled between September 2024 and September 2025 to 940 people.
The Salvation Army says on its website that government assistance is not a long-term solution.
“While the Government announced $17 million in targeted funding in September for Housing First places and outreach support, the support in particular is time-limited to June 2026 and insufficient to meet demand.”
Those who can help or donate can contact Marco by email at kine.marco@gmail.com.
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