COVID-19

Two Month Anniversary of Global Fight Against COVID-19 and Rising Hunger

On March 12 this year, the WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. At that time there were 118,000 cases in 114 countries, and just over 4,000 reported deaths from the virus.

Today, two months since the declaration, 4.3 million people in 212 countries have contracted the virus. We are saddened by the loss of life, the 291,000 deaths from coronavirus, and the terrible hurt to the families that remain.

Here in Aotearoa New Zealand we have not escaped although due to the prompt action by our government we have not suffered the impact of many other countries. As of today, total number of coronavirus cases in New Zealand is 1497 with a total of 1398 recoveries – and that means 93 percent of Kiwis who were infected no longer have COVID-19. Our virus-related death toll remains at 21 – which unfortunately is 21 too many.

Communities are, and our economy is being devastated. At Foodbank Canterbury we have faced increased requests for emergency food aid in just a matter of weeks and we fully realise that many more people will face food insecurity due to income and economic losses.

To this end FBC is meeting this week (at Level2 restrictions) with a number of collaborating agencies to lay a framework for the future – how we propose moving forward into this uncertain future and do the best for our people and our communities.

We are all hopeful that this pandemic will end soon, but until such a time please be confident in our solidarity with you and our unwavering efforts to feed the hungry, impoverished, and displaced and serve our communities the best we can with the resources we have available.

We are grateful for all the support in these challenging times. As we proceed together, please remain safe, be kind and stay patient. As our Prime Minister says – it will take the team of 5 million!

On behalf of everyone at Foodbank Canterbury, Nga mihi nui k a koe - a huge thanks!