The Salvation Army says its resources are pushed to the limit by a record demand for food parcels, budget advice and emergency housing.
It says officers at Army social service centres paint a picture of overflowing waiting rooms and emotionally-drained or depressed parents who have lost their jobs or had their hours cut.
Lower North Island head of social services, Major Wendy Barney, says less food is being donated to foodbanks, but there is a steadily growing number of families seeking help.
Major Barney says the number of food parcels distributed by the Salvation Army has climbed 66% in the past two years to 51,527.
