Whangarei Growers Market could be key in getting healthy food to the district's poorer communities.
A steering group has been formed to consider ways in which the increasingly popular market can use the Water St site next to the market.
Transition Towns Whangarei representative Jeff Griggs said a food demonstrationarea centred around a re-fabricated shipping container was the key element. The group would also liaise with Northland Regional Council about getting a bus service to the markets from low income areas.
"Some of these areas are what's called 'food deserts'," Mr Griggs said. "You have people stuck in communities where the only things they can buy are from dairies - processed food or takeaways.
"People have transport problems getting into buy fresh fruit and vegetables. This is not only getting them into the markets to buy stuff but getting them to the demonstration where they can learn about preparing this stuff."
Whangarei Growers Market will provide produce for the demonstrations, with Manaia Health, NorthTec and Whangarei District Council also represented on the steering group.
Mr Griggs said the obstacle now was raising money to buy a container by summertime, expected to cost about $2000.
