Food Rescue helps to feed Northland
A scheme which uses food that otherwise would end up in the region’s landfill is helping feed people in need.
Northland produces enough to feed its population, but we throw away about 40 per cent of our primary produce, says community development worker Dr Carol Peters.
Peters has spear-headed Northland’s Food Rescue (Whakaora Kai Tai Tokerau) after a request from the Northland District Health Board in October 2016 for the One Double Five Community House to set up the scheme.
The need was identified by a recent NDHB needs assessment survey revealed not only food waste, but there were people considered ‘‘food insecure’’.
‘‘They often didn’t know from one week to another whether they were going to have enough food to feed their kids,’’ Peters says.
‘‘Ideally we would like to see every school child receive a hot lunch’’.
The scheme was officially launched on November 1. About five tonnes of food that would otherwise have gone to the tip have been distributed.
The scheme is based in Whangarei, but they are in the process of talking to iwi in the Far North about becoming project partners. Food can be delivered north of Whangarei if they can get transport.
The group has signed up eight primary growers and one retailer who donate fruit and vegetables that have the odd blemish and food past its best before date but not past its use by date.
‘‘We are essentially the warehouse - providers, who can be schools, churches, maraes and any other community group involved with feeding people - log on to the website for their requirements and it is these groups that distribute the food,’’ Peters says.
The group is also making up a booklet that contains recipes, gardening tips and ideas for disposing plastics and waste. These will go into the food boxes given to families.
They are keen to hear from growers and other groups wanting to join or donate to the scheme.
Excess home produce and food left over from large functions are welcomed, as are volunteers.
Phone Peter 022 475 3473 or visit foodrescuenorthland.nz/contact if you would like to get involved.