A food rescue charity is now able to provide a safer volunteering environment thanks to funding from all three West Auckland Local Boards.
At Fair Food, on Rosebank Road, Avondale, the warehouse has been equipped with stainless-steel sorting tables, nonslip mats and colourful plastic tubs for kitchen sorting and compost.
In the charity’s 'conscious kitchen', staff and volunteers get busy peeling and boiling fruits and vegetables, turning these rescued foods into packaged goodness.
“I'd like to thank all three local boards for their support, which allowed us to improve the health and safety of our warehouse work environment,” says Fair Food General Manager, Michelle Blau.
“This included making all the stainless-steel sorting tables the same to streamline the experience and reduce risk through consistency. We also added nonslip mats, so the floor surfaces are even, and people aren’t standing on the hard concrete for hours.
“More plastic tubs were added for kitchen sorting and compost, so volunteers don’t overfill them, making the tubs too heavy to safely lift.
“In August alone, 387 volunteers, generously dedicated their time to us. We appreciate the opportunity to create an inclusive environment, so we can welcome more volunteers with disabilities or barriers to employment.”
Whau Local Board Chair Kay Thomas says her board is pleased to join the others in supporting Fair Food’s efforts.
“It’s heartbreaking to see our locals struggle to put food on the table. Food security has been an ongoing issue that needs more of our attention recently. We’re pleased to help Fair Food upgrade their volunteering environment so that they’ll be able to better support our local community," Kay explains.
“We’d like to give a shout-out to Fair Food for all they’ve done, and also to all the amazing volunteers who generously give their time. Thank you for all your great mahi which makes our local area a better place to live in and connect with each other.”
Since 2011, Fair Food has been on the road rescuing surplus food to feed people in need. Every day, two tonnes of still fresh food from supermarkets and growers is processed at Fair Food before it gets sent out to 50 different charities that deliver to people in need.
If you’re looking for support for your community projects, Whau Local Board’s Local Grant round one is open until 6 October; Henderson-Massey Local Board’s quick response grant is open until 13 October, and Waitākere Ranges Local Board’s Local Grant round one is open until 29 September.
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