A small Taranaki community is coming together after the food bank was ransacked.

Volunteers at a Waitara food bank were shocked to find someone had stolen from the community service.

It was targeted some time between Monday and yesterday, with those responsible smashing windows and doors.

Freezers were left open meaning any meat that wasn't taken was spoiled by the time the break-in was discovered, leaving a large clean up job and repairs for volunteers.

Chairwoman Kath Jones said it's disappointing to see.

"I mean if they wanted a parcel they only had to come in and ask us and we'd have looked after them, because all we want to do is look after our people, but to come in and take advantage like that made me ropable."

But Jones says they'll be on their feet again shortly.

"People have been coming in off the street with parcels and they are just so appalled that they're coming in and helping us out, it's wonderful."