• Kiwifruit growers to help struggling kiwis
• Kiwifruit growers to donate through The Foodbank Project
• Kiwifruit growers to extend foodbank drive across New Zealand

New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc., the industry body which advocates for 2,800 growers, is encouraging its members to pitch in and donate to the most vulnerable through The Foodbank Project, a joint partnership of Countdown, The Salvation Army and Lucid.

The drive recognizes that COVID-19 continues to have an economic impact upon New Zealand with kiwis struggling financially.

Despite restrictions brought about by COVID-19, the kiwifruit industry has had a successful year returning almost $2 billion in direct payments to communities around New Zealand. The industry has also welcomed people who have been displaced from their previous employment.

NZKGI CEO Nikki Johnson says, “It’s great to see this drive as a continuation of the 2020 grower initiative launched in the Bay of Plenty to help support the unprecedented demand due to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19.”

“Growers answered the call and donated thousands of dollars’ worth of food and necessities. As a result of the drive’s success, NZKGI committed to rolling out the appeal in other kiwifruit growing regions,” says Nikki.

Jono Bell, Salvation Army Territorial Director of Community Ministries says, “The pressure on our clients and their whānau to make ends meet is enormous, and COVID-19 has added more uncertainty.”

The Salvation Army offers immediate welfare support, food and housing, but our remit goes far beyond this. We believe in giving people a hand-up, not a hand-out. We walk alongside people and offer practical support to improve their situations.

Instead of utilizing drop off points for growers to deliver food, The Foodbank Project allows a more accessible way for busy donors to help Kiwis in need by donating online and choosing from a range of products and bundles that are critically needed for food parcels. The order is then packed and delivered by local Countdown stores to The Salvation Army foodbanks of the donor’s choice.

NZKGI encourages not only growers, but also other members of the industry and wider community to participate in this drive from 29 January until 5 March. To join the drive, visit the website www.foodbank.org.nz/NZKGI

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