Clayton Mitchell: Food shouldn't be wasted

A few weeks ago we had a fish and chips night in Parliament. At the end of it, there were heaps of leftovers earmarked for the rubbish bin. I wrapped up as much of the food as I could possible carry and hit the streets of Wellington, distributing it to some of the City's many homeless.

This moment got me thinking about all of the other food that's wasted out there. And these thoughts governed how I populated my diary during our recent recess.
Recess week was a busy one, spent talking with local community groups, charities, city councillors and local businesses. The discussions were around how community groups and charities can better interact with local businesses to foster positive and sustainable relationships that benefit both parties. Often, the conversations came back to food and food waste.

It was great to see that Tauranga Women's Refuge and Homes of Hope, along with 16 other charities, are already engaging with some local industries, namely the Brookfield and Mount New World, as well as the Papamoa and Tauranga Pak N Save, in partnership with Good Neighbour.

Good Neighbour rescues foods good enough to eat that have been earmarked for the dump, either due to mislabelling, dented packaging, looking wonky... It then distributes the food to charities for consumption by families who need it most.

I was also assured that the organisations are careful to try and find a balance, providing support without creating dependence.

Of course, despite great efforts, there is still great need. For example most charities are still in need of milk and many organisations who could benefit from recycled food are on waiting lists.

I am keen to see these endeavours expanded, within Tauranga, but also throughout New Zealand, with a large number of varied organisations and industries.