A Broken System: Waitara Foodbank Pataka Kai’s Efforts to Foster Food Sovereignty

The cost-of-living crisis has taken a devastating toll on New Zealand, particularly in the Taranaki region. One foodbank, Waitara Pataka Kai, is taking bold steps to address this issue by prioritizing food-sovereignty. The organization’s co-chairperson, Tiri Porter (Te Ātiawa, Ngāpuhi), explains that the current system is unsustainable and perpetuates dependency.

“The foodbank system is broken,” says Porter. “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 Growing Need for Food Resilience

Staff at Waitara Pataka Kai have seen an influx of new faces seeking food assistance, but community donations have decreased by about 50 percent compared to the last year. Operations manager Amy Olsen attributes this to the lack of education on cooking and growing one’s own kai.

“It was amazing how many people didn’t know what to do with what we were giving them,” says Olsen. “So, the resilient side of it is encouraging and supporting people to learn how to use what they’ve already got.”

Connecting to the Land: A Path to Recovery

Olsen emphasizes the importance of connecting to the land in addressing addiction recovery. “It’s not just about the food coming out of it; it’s about the mahi that they’re doing on themselves and being out there growing.” The Waitara branch has become a hub for community gardens, providing individuals with the opportunity to grow their own kai.

“This is not just about having a garden,” says Olsen. “It’s about having a whānau māra kai – individual family food – for those who cannot do so due to their living situation.”

A Hub for Community and Support

The Waitara Foodbank has also become a central location for directing people to other health and well-being services. “Because food is often only one of the things that someone needs, and if you’re hungry, there’s 12 other things that suffer,” Olsen explains.

On December 1st, the foodbank held its annual community collections run to help stock cupboards for the busy Christmas period. The outpouring of support was overwhelming, with donations pouring in from the rohe (local community).

A New Era of Food Sovereignty

As Waitara Pataka Kai continues to grow and adapt, it’s clear that food sovereignty is no longer just a buzzword – it’s a necessary step towards creating a more resilient and sustainable food system. The organization’s efforts serve as a beacon of hope for those struggling with food insecurity and addiction.

“The everything that we do here is community-led and community-driven,” says Olsen. “We’re listening to the people, and that’s what’s driving our work.”

In conclusion, Waitara Pataka Kai’s commitment to food sovereignty is a testament to the power of community-led initiatives in addressing some of New Zealand’s most pressing social issues. By fostering education, connection to the land, and community support, this foodbank is working towards creating a more sustainable and equitable food system for all.