The Shed: Food For Good

Written By Guest User

By Jill Kayser

How The Shed Began

When Auckland entered its first COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, many families suddenly found themselves facing financial hardship. Recognising the growing need, the Saint Kentigern community came together to establish The Shed—a community food distribution hub based on the Saint Kentigern College campus.

What began as a simple idea quickly became a lifeline for hundreds of Auckland families. Students, staff, the Board and families across all Saint Kentigern schools donated food and essential household items, while student and parent volunteers packed and prepared food parcels for delivery.

Rather than distributing food directly, The Shed acts as a conduit between the generosity of the Saint Kentigern community and frontline organisations that already know which families need support most. Working through up to 40 partner schools and their social workers ensures recipients' dignity and privacy are protected.

The Shed was born from a simple question: How could Saint Kentigern help?

During Auckland's first lockdown, the Trust Board became aware of the severe financial pressure many local families were experiencing. An unused building on the edge of the College campus was identified as the ideal location because it offered easy vehicle access while remaining separate from the busy school grounds.

A small team led by College Chaplain Reverend David Smith, School Chaplain Reverend Reuben Hardie and Service Coordinators Mark Robinson and Natalie Stephenson transformed the neglected building into a functioning warehouse. Volunteers cleaned, painted and installed industrial shelving, preparing it to receive donations.

Ironically, just as the project was ready to launch, Auckland entered another lockdown. Instead of slowing the initiative, the renewed restrictions reinforced just how urgently it was needed.

 

Growing to Meet the Need

Initially, The Shed distributed around 30 food boxes each week. As lockdowns continued and financial pressures increased, demand quickly grew to 70 boxes every week.

During the first lockdown period alone, 505 food boxes valued at around $75 per box were distributed. It is estimated that more than $38,875 worth of donated food reached Auckland families, with a further $14,587 spent purchasing fresh produce and essential grocery items when donated supplies became depleted.

In total, Saint Kentigern families donated an estimated $54,000 worth of food and goods, while the Saint Kentigern Trust Board contributed an additional $25,000.

Even after restrictions eased, the need remained and The Shed continues to deliver 70 food boxes every week, demonstrating that food insecurity did not disappear with the end of lockdown and Covid.

Foodbank collection is held once each term and hundreds of students arrive carrying bags filled with food items, which are requested as priority items for the boxes.

Students and volunteers form human chains, moving an enormous amount of donated items from collection tables into The Shed. In a typical food drive, more than 3,000 to 4,000 individual items are collected, with House competitions encouraging friendly rivalry and generous giving.

The Shed shelves are stocked with canned and packaged food and toiletries. Fresh bread, vegetables and beef mince is also purchased each week and added to the boxes on delivery day.

 

Reaching Families With Dignity

Each standard food parcel, valued at around $75, provides practical support for families experiencing hardship.

To ensure privacy and dignity, parcels are never handed directly to recipients by Saint Kentigern. Instead, they are delivered to trusted social workers and partner schools across Auckland, who identify families with the greatest need. One organisation that receives these food parcels is Family Works, which is part of Presbyterian Support Northern.

The impact of these parcels is often felt most during life's most difficult moments.

One Family Works social worker recently delivered a parcel to a family who had just lost their mother and grandmother. The financial burden associated with the tangi had placed significant strain on the household.

"Mum really appreciated the food parcel and said it alleviated some of the financial stress she was going through," the social worker shared.

For another whānau, hardship came in quick succession. Following the passing of their beloved Nan, the family faced the additional challenge of having to leave their Kāinga Ora home. While a new home was eventually secured, finances remained tight as a grandfather cared for his mokopuna and continued supporting the wider whānau.

Their social worker observed that when budgets are squeezed, food is often the first thing families are forced to sacrifice.

"This whānau are very grateful for the various supports provided," he said. "It's a blessing to have."

While every family's circumstances are different, these stories reflect a common reality: practical support delivered with dignity can ease immediate pressure, provide reassurance during difficult times and remind people they are not facing hardship alone.

 

A Community Effort, A Lasting Legacy

The Shed is more than a food bank—it is a practical expression of Saint Kentigern's commitment to service.

Students play an active role in collecting donations, sorting groceries and stocking shelves.

A Year 12 Service Prefect reflects: "It's rewarding to be part of something that genuinely makes a difference. We don't meet the families receiving the food, but knowing it reaches those who need it most is all the motivation we need."

Another student says: "Helping with The Shed has opened my eyes to how many families struggle to afford life's basic necessities. It would be wonderful one day to hear some of the stories behind the food parcels."

Parents are equally passionate.

One volunteer, whose four children attend Saint Kentigern, says: "I love the way the school responds to need in such a heartfelt way. It's reassuring to know the food is distributed by trusted social workers who understand their communities."

Another parent appreciates the humility behind the initiative: The focus isn't on recognition; it's on ensuring families receive support with dignity."

What began during one of Auckland's most challenging periods has become a lasting expression of community generosity.

Every donated can, every packed box and every volunteer hour reflects the belief that service can change lives. Whether supporting families through bereavement, helping grandparents care for mokopuna, or simply easing the pressure of everyday living costs, The Shed provides practical help when it is needed most.

The Shed continues to connect the compassion of the Saint Kentigern community with families across Auckland who need it most, proving that even from a small building on the edge of a school campus, extraordinary things can happen.

 

Inspired by The Shed's story?

Explore the story behind The Shed, or find out how to start something similar in your own community.

Resources to learn more about The Shed:

Resources to start something in your community:

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