Auckland Council gets its teeth into Kai Auckland

Hundreds of people across Auckland are sitting down to share community meals this week as part of the launch of Kai Auckland.

Kai Auckland is being led by Aucklanders who have collectively identified healthy, home grown food can nourish their communities, is more budget friendly, creates connection in their neighbourhoods and will help solve food scarcity.

These people and their community groups want to connect, share and grow a stronger, healthier, more equitable food system through a number of initiatives including food hubs, school programmes, access to local food and enterprising opportunities and activities where people can eat and celebrate food.

“Auckland Council is happy to be supporting Kai Auckland because this city is facing significant food related social problems including hunger, poor nutrition and obesity,” says Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse.

“Better knowledge about food can lead to adults and children eating well, performing better in their lives, connecting with their neighbours and feeling better about themselves.”

Around 20 community groups and individuals are taking part in the Kai Auckland community meals launch held to coincide with International Food Day today (October 16).

Mangere Town Centre Library held a ‘budgeting brunch’ on Tuesday where those who took part in a budgeting advice session were served soup and bread. And the East Coast Bays Community Project is holding a lunch today for invited local police, neighbourhood support people and RSA members.

In Mairangi Bay, artist Chris Berthelsen is taking his pancake trolley to the streets for 10 days. In Pt Chevalier, a resident is showcasing local produce by encouraging people to bring locally grown food to a dinner on October 19. And on October 20 students at Wesley Intermediate will be preparing and sharing a lunch.

“Grass root initiatives like these launch ones and others being created as part of Kai Auckland show every Aucklander can be connected and well-nourished through food,” says Ms Hulse.

“It also demonstrates a commitment to tackle a long-standing problem of disconnection and hunger in our communities. With local board help and expertise, Auckland communities can work together so everyone enjoys greater efficiency and momentum. Local boards can facilitate, enable and organise Auckland-wide initiatives that matter to communities.

“Kai Auckland is the start of something we can all really get our teeth into.”

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