Food for Good & Outstanding Collaboration
2022 AWARD FINALIST
Sponsored by New World and The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
The New Zealand Food Network was founded to improve food security in Aotearoa New Zealand and minimise the amount of food that is wasted. The company collects bulk volumes of surplus and donated food from food producers and growers. The food is then distributed, free of charge to food hubs (food rescue organisations, iwi and charities) across Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Food Network aims to provide people who are struggling to make ends meet with healthy and nutritious food. The Network forms partnerships with a variety of food producers, manufacturers and wholesalers to source fresh and healthy food. The company also aims to improve the logistical and infrastructure issues that have traditionally limited food supply into food insecure communities.
Since its establishment in 2020, the organisation has rescued and distributed over 13 million kg of food (the equivalent of 38 million meals) to communities in need. This has reduced carbon equivalent emissions by an estimated 19.8 million kg.
This initiative has been even more crucial over the past couple of years, with demands from food hubs being higher than ever experienced.