A New Approach to Food Security in Taranaki

The cost-of-living crisis has taken a toll on communities across Taranaki, with foodbanks struggling to keep up with the demand for food assistance. However, one initiative is taking a different approach, prioritizing food sovereignty and community resilience over traditional food bank services.

The Broken Model of Food Assistance

Staff at the Waitara Foodbank Pataka Kai have seen an influx of new faces seeking food parcels, but despite increased donations from the community, the financial constraints are starting to take their toll. The co-chairperson, Tiri Porter, highlights the need for a change in approach.

“It’s desperate times for people. The cost-of-living crisis affects us all and it’s aggravated for a generation of people who have never learned how to cook or grow kai,” she said. “The foodbank system is broken, it’s operating on a model of dependency for funding and for many of our regular users. This has to change because it’s simply unsustainable.”

A Shift towards Food Sovereignty

Instead of relying solely on donations, the Waitara Foodbank Pataka Kai has launched initiatives aimed at promoting food sovereignty. The goal is to empower communities to grow their own food, reducing reliance on external assistance.

“Everything that we do here is community-led and community-driven, we’re listening to the people,” said Olsen, the coordinator of the Waitara branch. “We want to connect people with land, resources, and information to help them start their own māra kai.”

Community Gardens: A Hub for Connection and Growth

One key initiative is the establishment of a community garden, where individuals can come together to grow their own food and socialize. The garden has become a hub not only for food production but also for health and well-being services.

“A lot of people said they would just love to have somewhere they could go to freely and hang out with other people,” Olsen explained. “It’s not just about the food – it’s about the social side of it.”

Empowering Individuals through Education

The Waitara Foodbank Pataka Kai also places a strong emphasis on education and skills training, empowering individuals to make the most of their available resources.

“Learning how to use what you’ve already got is a high priority for this foodbank,” said Olsen. “We want to help people learn how to cook with what they have, rather than relying solely on external assistance.”

A New Era of Food Security in Taranaki

The Waitara Foodbank Pataka Kai’s approach to food security has the potential to transform the way communities in Taranaki access food assistance. By prioritizing food sovereignty and community resilience, this initiative is not only providing practical support but also fostering a sense of connection and empowerment.

As the organization continues to grow and evolve, it remains committed to its core values: community-led, community-driven, and focused on empowering individuals to take control of their own food security.