Food for Good
2022 AWARD FINALIST
Sponsored by New World
The Whāingaroa Environment Centre has been striving for a food resilient Whāingaroa (Raglan) for over 20 years. The centre forms partnerships with local organisations, such as Xtreme Zero Waste, to encourage home gardens, food waste composting and the circular economy.
In 2021, the centre established the Raglan Growers Market to increase food resilience and create a more connected community. The initiative aims to promote the benefits of eating local food and reduce the reliance on food being delivered from the city. It is one of the only growers markets in Aotearoa New Zealand, giving home-growers an opportunity to sell their produce and seeds.
The Raglan Growers Market is supported by a number of funding partners to minimise added costs to the growers. The Market has its own steering group who work many volunteer hours to support the coordinator.
Despite Covid restrictions and reduced numbers of tourists to Raglan, the Market managed to attract over 10% of the town’s population. The Raglan Growers Market attracts young and old stallholders, selling a variety of nutritious, home-grown food.