After supporting the Queenstown community for five years, our food rescue charity needs the favour returned.
KiwiHarvest’s now on borrowed time after its government funding was slashed earlier this month.
Established by Queenstown councillor Esther Whitehead in 2018, the local branch of the national food rescue service picks up excess food, including fresh produce, from across the Queenstown-Lakes and Central Otago, and redistributes it to those most in need, working with support services across the Basin.
Queenstown branch manager Gary Hough says last year they diverted 120,000kg of food — which equates to 340,000 meals — from landfill.
But about three weeks ago, the government announced it was annihilating its national food sector budget by almost 90%, from $11 million to just over $1m.
The ramifications for the Queenstown operation are ‘‘dire’’, Hough says, and wide-reaching.
That’s because the charity can’t afford the resort rental price for its Glenda Dr depot, where the food is stored before delivery.
On a month-by-month lease, on in-demand land, KiwiHarvest has asked for three months’ grace to find a new home, and is already three weeks in.
‘‘We’re on borrowed time,’’ he says.
Salvation Army Queenstown community ministries director Andrew Wilson says KiwiHarvest is supporting up to 100 people each week coming through their doors to access the food pantry service.
Recently, the Sallies opened up a role to support people coming for food to access wider services.
‘‘We’re seeing amazing results through that, where our food pantry and welfare side are the doorways to more broad, more intentional support services.
‘‘Without the food there in the first place, that jeopardises the connection.’’
Describing the government’s call as ‘‘disappointing’’, he points out KiwiHarvest has the ability to turn a $1 investment into $4 of food for the community’s most vulnerable.
‘‘They are one of the most efficient means of getting food, that would otherwise go to waste, to the bellies of those who need it.
‘‘In terms of a cost-cutting strategy, I think it’s fairly short- sighted.’’
Happiness House manager Lena Boss says KiwiHarvest supports a weekly average of 40 households with much-needed fresh produce.
‘‘A lot of people see the truck … but they don’t know what’s behind that truck and what it represents for the community, but also all the organisations.
‘‘They’re really that link between the supermarkets … and us who provide the food for the people struggling in the community.’’
KiwiHarvest’s race against clock
That includes those on working holidays who may be injured and can’t work, but can’t access ACC for support.
‘‘I know they’re doing everything they can not to stop their work, but at the same time, if they’re not getting funding, how can they continue?
‘‘They’re really doing a great job, we really need them.’’
Wilson: ‘‘I think it’s one of those things, as a community, we could certainly get behind to see good outcomes for everyone who calls Queenstown home.’’
In time, KiwiHarvest will be located at the new Whakatipu Community Hub, where support services will also be housed, on Queenstown council-owned land behind Countdown, at Five Mile, and adjoining the Queenstown Events Centre.
However, Hough says KiwiHarvest’s depot will be one of the last elements built — possibly a few years away.
He’s been talking to Queenstown’s council about moving to the new site now and establishing a temporary depot to tie them, and those in need, over until their new, permanent home is ready.
But with zero padding in the charity’s coffers, they’re in a race against the clock and trying desperately to raise the ‘‘very rough estimate’’ of $50,000 needed to set that up.
Hough says they’re negotiating with the company they’re leasing their four insulated containers from at present to see if a deal can be done for a charitable rate on two, or they’ll be forced to find the cash to buy their own.
But, it’s also a bare site, which needs gravel, fencing and power.
‘‘The money isn’t there for this move.
‘‘We’re hoping to get in-kind support from contractors — the main things are the gravel works and fencing.
‘‘If we could get either of them with a major discount, or in-kind support, it would make a massive difference.’’
KiwiHarvest’s so far raised almost $6000 of its $35,000 goal via its Givealittle page, but the government’s
announcement has come outside the grant cycle, meaning Hough’s been shoulder-tapping anyone he can for support.
If they can’t find the cash, six years’ hard work could go down the drain, just as they’re looking to expand.
Hough explains their vollies have increased from four to 20, and a second truck is planned, to service Wānaka.
To date, the charity’s had one e-bike, doing cafe pick-ups around Queenstown, but council has just approved funding for two more, enabling pick-ups around Frankton and Wānaka.
‘‘We’re determined to build our capacity,’’ he says.
Charity serves dual purposes
KiwiHarvest local branch founder Esther Whitehead (pictured) says the government’s decision to slash its funding is ‘‘such a shame’’.
That’s because it has dual purposes — feeding people in need, and reducing food waste to landfill.
‘‘It’s been estimated that if food waste was a country, it would be the third-highest emitter of global greenhouse gases after the US and China, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.’’
She says when she set the charity up in Queenstown, it was designed as a ‘‘more robust’’ 50/50 partnership model, with government providing half, and private business, philanthropic donors and council picking up the balance.
‘‘I think that if were to rally around and look at a similar model again, we could ensure that KiwiHarvest can still provide its services.’’
Whitehead notes that during lockdown it was an essential service, and continues to support people in ‘‘desperate need’’, cuts carbon
emissions to landfill and uses one problem to solve another.
