As the Food Bank relocates to new premises in the heart of Porirua East and as we conclude our busiest ever year, this Report highlights key facts and figures relating to the Pantry operation during 2021.

Thirteen volunteers and three former St Anne's Pantry leaders gathered with members of the Porirua Anglican congregation on Sunday 9 January 2022 to launch the year at St Anne's Church, Ranui, Porirua. The service of commissioning took place as the pantry occupies refurbished premises in Ranui and new leadership takes the reins.

During the service Jane Dagger was commissioned as the new facilitator replacing Margaret Alve who has been in this position since the beginning of 2020. Jane has served for nearly tw0 years as a volunteer and has taken increased responsibility during 2021.

Fiona Bell was also commissioned in the new position of part time staff administrator having also volunteered as a grocery parcel deliverer for most of the past two years. Fiona's new position has been created from a generous donation from a long time donor. Fiona begins her administration role on Tuesday 11 January.

Fiona and Jane were flanked by the volunteers present who came from Porirua, Whitby, Pauatahanui and Tawa Anglican parishes. They celebrated with them during the communion service and afterwards over morning tea with the 30 people present.

The Level 4 Covid-19 Lockdown during the past ten days has had Porirua City and Linden households asking for food assistance at a level that surpasses that of April last year. We have this week delivered 68 food parcels to our communities at a time when we have all been anxious not catch this more virulent Covid strain. Half of these deliveries were made today.

St Anne's provision of delivered food parcels has been what the doctors ordered at this time. Our volunteer team have wonderfully risen to the occasion and made a difference; backed up by the likes of Porirua New World and others generous donating goods and money to support te mahi which we call St Anne's Pantry.

As I write light is appearing in this tunnel as it is likely that we will drop to L3 by Wednesday morning. In the meantime stay safe, enjoy the para olympics and prepare for life returning slowly back to (our new) normal.

​Terry