The Wānaka App
The Wānaka App
It's Your Place
loading...
The Wānaka App

Community stalls share surplus garden produce

The Wānaka App

01 December 2021, 5:00 PM

Community stalls share surplus garden produceFrom front left: Adrienne Taylor (Alpine Community Development Trust), Ruth Blunt (Wastebusters), Diana Manson (QLDC), Daisy Watford (Community Networks), Marilyn Duncan (Food For Love). Back row: Ben Elms (Dr Compost) and Emma Hunter (Kahu Youth).

The Wānaka Food Security Network hopes two new fresh produce stands will be well utilised by the community.


Located at Wastebusters and Community Networks, they are the first two of five stands set to be installed around the Upper Clutha by Christmas to promote food sharing and make sure fresh produce does not go to waste.



“We want to make sure that everyone in our community has access to healthy food on a regular basis,” Community Networks food security project coordinator Daisy Watford said. “The stands are just one way to achieve this,” Daisy said. 


People can donate or collect fresh fruits and vegetables, jams and preserves, and eggs and baked goods from the stands.


Daisy said the system was designed to be as simple as possible for users: “If you find yourself with surplus produce in your garden this summer, just pop it into one of the stands instead.” 



“In order to make it work, we also need people to take the produce home,” she said. “The stands are open to everyone, so please don’t be shy.” 


Another two stands are due to be installed (in Luggate and at the Wānaka Recreation Centre) by the network and the Albert Town Community Association (ATCA) is also collaborating on the project with their own stand on Sherwin Avenue reserve.


ATCA representative Heather Thorne said produce stalls were a “win-win for everyone”.


“ATCA felt it was an excellent project which benefits all residents,” Heather said. “We hope residents take advantage of the stall and bring their surplus produce from their garden to share with others.”



Wastebusters was excited to have its own produce stand, communications coordinator Ruth Blunt said.


“Community and waste reduction is at the heart of what we do at Wastebusters, so we’re stoked to host one of the produce stands to help share surplus food within our community.”


Daisy said people can be assured if they use the produce stands they are not taking from those in need.


“The foodbank also stocks  plenty of fresh produce so there is more than enough to go around,” she said.


The Food Security Network was formed in July by Community Networks as part of their longstanding commitment to food security and food resilience. 


The group comprises Community Networks, Wastebusters, QLDC, Food for Love, Grow Wānaka, Kahu Youth,  Hāwea Food Forest, Wānaka Vegetable Grower’s Club and Dr Compost. 


PHOTO: Supplied