The Salvation Army says there was a jump in the number of families seeking help in the last three months of last year and it's worried the situation will get worse.
Just over 5000 families received food parcels in the last three months of 2007, but the number rose to nearly 7000 over the same period in 2008.
The Salvation Army says families who live on the edge often rely on overtime and casual work - something there's a shortage of at the moment.
Major Campbell Roberts says more and more people will struggle as unemployment figures rise.
