A food campaign to alleviate some of the strain people are under has been launched across the region.

Local charity Kiwi Harvest reuses excess food from supermarkets, cafes and businesses to donate to the community, and they are asking for public support.

“There’s a huge amount of people struggling - we are there as a community to help them in their time of need,” Queenstown branch manager for Kiwi Harvest Gary Hough said. 

“We’re just trying to do what we can and this campaign is part of that.”

Kiwi Harvest provides food to community groups across the Southern Lakes and Central Otago including the Community Networks Foodbank and Food for Love in Wānaka.

Last year (2022) the organisation rescued 120,000 kilograms of food in the region, which equates to 3,000-4,000 meals.

As part of the campaign, Kiwi Harvest will introduce trollies at local supermarket entrances where the community can make food donations. 

For every trolley that is filled, an upcycled customised raised planter package will go to locals in the community with the goal of helping with long-term food resilience.

Planters will help with food resilience by reconnecting people to food systems.

The package includes a movable planter made from old palettes, a self-watering system, seedings, netting, a custom maintenance and training booklet, and budget-friendly recipes.

A Givealittle page has also been set up with funds raised going to local charities to increase the food supply capability.

In a statement, Kiwi Harvest said the campaign is a practical way for people to overcome some of the hurdles that come with growing your own food and to reconnect people with food systems.

Wao has reported that more than 90 percent of our calories were grown within a 100 kilometre radius in 1923, whereas today, we transport more than 95 percent into the region. 

To find out more about what Kiwi Harvest do and to get involved click here.

PHOTOS: Supplied