For some of our community, questioning when their next meal will be, or where it will come from is normal. The worry of this, along with relentless pangs of hunger have significant implications for an individual on their ability to concentrate, engage and ultimately thrive.
Creatively answering this question, and providing a lifeline to many, is KiwiHarvest whose mission is to rescue surplus food and distribute it to families in need.
First established in Auckland 2012, community demand led to the Queenstown and Invercargill arms of KiwiHarvest Food Rescue being set up in 2020 and 2021 respectively.
Today, 3,125 people across this area are provided with weekly food support through the initiative. KiwiHarvest CEO Angela Calver, said food rescue was the most cost-effective way to feed families in need, a need that continues to grow across Invercargill and Queenstown.
“Food distributed in this region has grown by 28% over the past year. With the Trust’s support, we’re creating a real and lasting impact for vulnerable families in our community.”
Recognising just how pivotal food security is for our communities to thrive, Community Trust South is a proud supporter of KiwiHarvest, allocating $20,000 for its continued operations in the reporting year.
CEO Angela Calver said this is instrumental in being able to support Queenstown and Invercargill communities.
“We sincerely thank Community Trust South for its ongoing support over the years. This generous funding has enabled us to supply rescued food to charities throughout Southland and Queenstown, helping them focus on their life-changing work each day - transforming lives and building a more inclusive community.”
Community Trust South Grants Manager, Dianne Williams, said being hungry is an escalating concern across our communities, with the impacts being more than just physical.
“More than filling hungry tummies, KiwiHarvest is improving food sovereignty and Mana Motuhake (self -determination) of our communities by ensuring that access to food is a certainty not a question.”
While the social impact of this initiative is significant, the environmental benefits are just as impressive. KiwiHarvest rescues 370,000 kgs of food annually across the rohe/region, strongly reducing food wastage and laying the foundations for a more equitable and sustainable community.
With a passion for supporting those in our communities most in need, KiwiHarvest is tackling hunger, food wastage and food sovereignty with one very creative solution and our community is all the fuller for it.
