Community food initiatives

This page contains community food initiatives, reports and insights Kore Hiakai have published with help and the wisdom of others.

fruit and vege co-ops and how this model and initiative impacts on the food systems

In this report we dive-deeper into ‘Fruit and Vege Co-ops’ across Aotearoa, shining the light on how and why they came to be, and their impact on local food systems. We explore how they exist now, what makes them great, and what challenges and opportunities they bring to food distribution within our communities.

the act of eating together and value of gathering through food

Eating together, whether with whānau or in community, is a part of who we are. It is how we celebrate with each other, express love towards one another, and connect in a multitude of life-giving ways.

The following report celebrates and brings meaning to the whole process of eating together – from growing and gathering, making and baking, to eating and feasting, bringing to light the richness and opportunities found through the act of sharing kai.

te hiku pātaka social supermarket insights

Integrating and adopting a ‘More Choice’ food assistance model is the latest shift in community food distribution. Kore Hiakai Zero Hunger Collective have had conversations with some of those operating these innovative models across Aotearoa so that we can better understand and share their insights, and particularly:

  • What is their unique practice model?

  • What values drive these practices?

  • And what do they hope the future will bring for their organisation and the people they seek to uplift?

salvation army whangārei social supermarket insights

Salvation Army Whangārei opened their Social Supermarket in January 2023 as part of improving their approach to food provision. “While we have only been operating the More Choice Model since the beginning of the year, the feedback received to date has already exceeded expectations…”

wellington city mission social supermarket insights

March 2021 to March 2022

During March 2022 The Wellington City Mission (WCM) celebrated its one year opening anniversary of their social supermarket in Newtown. It had been 12 months of much celebration, collaboration and learning; with The Wellington City Mission being very generous in sharing their practice and operations insights. Kore Hiakai were given privileged access to sit and capture their wisdom so it might be accessible to others across the motu.