food parcels.

Thousands have been lining up outside the Auckland City Mission as the lead-up to Christmas puts the pinch on people's wallets.

Nearly 2700 people have queued up for emergency food parcels and gifts in the past two weeks, and 80 per cent of those are women, missioner Chris Farrelly says.

every year, organizations like City mission, Salvation army collect goodies to make food parcels for the poor. Last week, there was an announcement telling people not to donate chick peas ans tomatoes. The radio DJ didn't think very kindly to this.  He mentioned the phrase beggars can't be choosers.  they say the recipient didn't know how to cook these. I am not surprised about chick peas, but tin tomatoes, they can always make tomato soup or spaghetti Bolognese.

I once helped in the soup kitchen of City Mission.