Locals can eat out and support a worthwhile cause this month, with the annual ‘Plate Up For Love’ fundraiser now underway.

Nineteen Wānaka eateries currently have a ‘Plate Up’ item or dish on their menu and every time a customer orders one, a portion of the purchase price will be donated to local food charity Food for Love.

Food for Love general manager Jodie Stuart told the Wānaka App this was the third year of the Plate Up For Love fundraiser, held in partnership with Bayleys Wānaka, and she was delighted more eateries than ever had signed up to participate.

Jodie said demand for Food for Love - which provides free, home-cooked meals for people going through a difficult time - continues to increase. 

Money raised through the fundraiser “will help us keep up with the demand”, she said. 

“Every dollar makes a difference.”

This year’s dishes include roti at Brewery Lane, salmon sashimi at FuDog, blue cod and chips at the Hāwea Hotel, fajitas at Amigos, wagyu hanger steak at Bistro Gentil – and many more.

“There’s something for everyone, from a quick grab and go to a sit down fine dining experience,” Jodie said.  

All money raised will help Food for Love continue to provide home-cooked meals for people in the community going through a difficult time. PHOTO: Wānaka App

For the first time, diners can also vote for their favourite Plate Up dish, with all voters going in the draw for a $200 voucher to use at a participating eatery.

The winning dish will be announced at a gala dinner on October 31, which will feature a three-course meal, live music, guest speaker Lydia Bradey, and both live and silent auctions.

Supporters can get involved with the fundraiser by ordering a featured dish, joining the gala dinner, or donating an item or experience for the auction - all of which will help Food For Love assist more people in the community.

“Food for Love are really grateful to Bayleys Wānaka and all of the restaurants that have helped make this happen,” Jodie.

Find all the Plate Up For Love dishes here and more information about the gala dinner here.