KiwiHarvest is Countdown’s newest Food Rescue partner

7 October 2015: Countdown’s Food Rescue programme is expanding further with the announcement of the newest charity partner, KiwiHarvest. This latest partnership focuses on the collection of fresh produce in the Auckland region.

KiwiHarvest, a not-for-profit organisation, will collect produce from seven Countdown stores around Auckland and distribute it to those in need.

KiwiHarvest’s Manager Maria Madill says the organisation is thrilled about the partnership.

"Our partnership shows Countdown's commitment to avoiding food waste and enables KiwiHarvest to distribute more nutritious food to communities in need across Auckland.

“The donations from Countdown means our recipient agencies and families are able to cook healthy meals, nourishing those most vulnerable to food insecurity. We really look forward to a long standing collaboration,” says Madill.

KiwiHarvest’s first collection from Mt Wellington Countdown took place last week, which saw 94kg worth of fresh produce delivered locally within 15 minutes of pick-up.

Countdown’s Acting Managing Director Pat McEntee says it is fantastic to have another charity partner to work with as part of Countdown’s Food Rescue programme.

“Wherever possible, our policy is to donate food that is still fit for consumption to our community charity partners throughout New Zealand, who then distribute that food to those in need. In the last year alone, we have provided $3.5 million worth of food.

“As a business, we are incredibly proud of the work we do through Countdown Food Rescue. We’re really looking forward to working with KiwiHarvest and helping them with the great work they do within the Auckland community,” Mr McEntee says.

KiwiHarvest will be collecting produce from Countdown Greenlane, Mt Wellington, St.Johns, Onehunga, Papatoetoe, Mt Roskill, and Mt Eden. All stores currently have an existing relationship with the Salvation Army, for dry goods and grocery items.

KiwiHarvest joins Countdown’s Food Rescue charity partners throughout New Zealand, including The Salvation Army, FairFood, 0800 HUNGRY, Just Zilch, FoodShare and Kaibosh.

ENDS

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