BACKDuring the two-week break after Term 1, I visited the Windsor Park Church Food Bank to see firsthand how the Rangitoto College Garden’s fresh produce is making a difference in the community. Every Wednesday, the food bank buzzes with activity. Around 10:30 AM, volunteers arrive to begin preparing and organising for the day’s distribution. By 11:00 AM, the church opens its doors to welcome anyone in need including individuals, families, and even pet owners, and remains open until approximately 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM.
My experience at the food bank was truly eye-opening. Arriving a little early, I had the chance to help with the setup before joining a volunteer in the fruit section to observe the fair distribution of food.The process was organized: individuals were given numbers and then called up to select from a wide array of items. These included fresh vegetables, fruits, milk, bread, meat, baked goods, and hygiene products, all generously provided by various food companies. Additionally, clothes donated by local residents were available. For families with pets, animal companies regularly supply pet food to the church for distribution. During holidays like Christmas, the church goes an extra mile, offering special items such as maple syrup to help families celebrate and experience a sense of normalcy. Our school also contributes through an annual food drive, collecting canned goods and other non-perishable items which are then donated to the church. The church supplements these with donations from other sources. These collected items are stored separately and used to create special packages, like family packs filled with essential items, for those with greater needs.
It felt good to help so many people that I went back next week, but also to see how things might change from week to week. That week, I noticed some challenges the food bank faces. They were short on pet food because the company didn’t deliver it on time, and there was less food overall compared to the first time I went, which was disappointing. Thankfully, fewer people showed up that day, so it worked out. It made me realise the harsh reality—there’s only so much you can do when everything depends on donations, and not everything is in your control. They were also understaffed that day, so it was great that I brought my sister along to help. It’s always good to lend a hand, especially because there are people out there who need support—if we don’t help, who else will? Going back helped me understand that this kind of support is a constant need, not just a one-time thing.
All the volunteers were from the church, giving up their Wednesday mornings to support others. It was amazing to see how thankful the visitors were, and how something small could make such a big difference. I went just to observe, but I left with a full heart, realising how deeply our community depends on support like this. I felt more connected to the community and even more proud to be part of the Community Garden. Knowing it truly makes a difference for people who rely on it and that the work we do directly supports so many lives, makes it feel even more meaningful and important to keep going with our garden.
Puja Sarker
