Home > Archives > 3rd October 2016 Issue > Community Matters - Support local food producers, limit food waste
MANGAWHAI'S NO.1 NEWSPAPER
|
|
Community Matters - Support local food producers, limit food wasteWe are lucky in Northland to have growers or farmers markets in a number of locations. Locally we have Mangawhai market on Saturday mornings where a range of food, crafts and local produce is available. In Paparoa, also on Saturday mornings, is a farmer’s market with local food, produce and plants. A bit further afield in Whangarei, also on Saturdays, although starting earlier at 6.30am, is one of the biggest growers markets in New Zealand.
It is great to be able to buy fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs, cured meats, and locally grown Northland produce such as kumara, kiwifruit, citrus fruit, strawberries, olive oil and manuka honey. The difference in freshness of local produce compared to supermarket bought is usually significant. It also feels good to support local farmers and producers, and the social connectedness is an important aspect of local markets. In Northland there is a push to have more food produced locally, so that as a region we import less from out of the area. This obviously benefits our region economically as it provides more jobs, growers make a better living, it is better for our health and wellbeing and the environment. It also reduces our vulnerability in the event of major storms or road closures. In the past we have seen how dependent we are on food and produce coming in from out of the area. The group Local Food Northland is a leader in trying to get more food grown locally as well as better access to food for all Northlanders. Encouraging businesses and organisations that use a lot of produce such as restaurants, hospitals and rest homes to use more locally produced food can only benefit us all. Another aspect of food production that is causing concern is food waste. It is estimated that one third of food produced globally is wasted. A number of initiatives are happening throughout New Zealand to combat food waste. In some cities food rescue groups have been set up to collect unused extra food from restaurants, cafes and supermarkets and pass it on to food banks or social service agencies, such as women’s refuges. Households also waste an enormous amount of food, with the most wasted foods being bread, leftovers, potatoes, apples, poultry, bananas, lettuces, oranges, pumpkins and carrots. It has been estimated that annually New Zealand households send around 230,000 tonnes of food to landfills. Of this about half is avoidable food waste. In 2014/15 the cost of the avoidable food waste in New Zealand was $872 million. The Love Food Hate Waste Campaign was launched in New Zealand this year. They support households to waste less food by encouraging behaviours to reduce food waste such as using leftovers and correct storage of food. When we know there are many who do not have access to nutritious food for good health and wellbeing, food wastage is even more of an issue. Supporting our local economy and our own good health by shopping at growers markets and reducing our food waste has many benefits - personal, regional, and global. Get on board. n Libby Jones is involved in many community organisations in both paid and volunteer roles. She has experience in social services, health and education including governance, funding, research, clinical and management roles. |