20 North Island food rescues receive $150,000 in operational support from Foodstuffs North Island

Twenty food rescue organisations from across Te Ika-a-Māui have received a share of $150,000 in operational funding from Foodstuffs North Island, helping to keep vital food rescue services running at a time of growing community need and rising costs.  The funding comes from Foodstuffs’ HereforNZ fund and supports organisations that rescue food from across 76 locally owned and operated Four Square, New World, PAK’nSAVE and Gilmours stores. The food rescue organisations collect food from stores when it can no longer be sold, and redistribute it to foodbanks, school breakfast clubs, community kitchens and social services.  Willa Hand, Head of Membership Experience for Foodstuffs North Island said: “We see the incredible work these food rescue groups do every day, often running on tight budgets, small teams, and a lot of heart. They’re out there collecting food in all weather, managing logistics, and making sure nothing good goes to waste. This funding is a way for us to help keep that mahi going, especially with so many families doing it tough right now.”   Over the past year, Foodstuffs North Island stores and their food rescue partners have diverted more than 1,404 tonnes of food, equivalent to 3.12 million meals, from landfill to local communities.  The funding has been welcomed by the Aotearoa Food Rescue Alliance (AFRA), the national body supporting the food rescue sector.  “This support is critical,” says AFRA spokesperson Iain Lees-Galloway “Government funding for food rescue is uncertain beyond next year, and many food rescues are grappling with serious funding shortfalls. Foodstuffs’ contribution will help keep food rescue organisations going and food flowing to the whānau who need it the most.”  Stores are also grateful for the support food rescues provide. “As a local New World Owner Operator, I see how much product can be redirected to the community when you have strong food rescue partnerships,” says Heidi Brittenden, New World Birkenhead. “We’re proud to play our part, and proud our co-operative is backing this important kaupapa.”  Among the recipients are larger food rescue operations like Kaibosh in Wellington and Good Neighbour, as well as smaller community-led rescues like Whanganui Kai Hub and Waiheke Resources Trust.  Full list of recipients