August 30, 2021
Maori food network more than foodbank
Iwi, marae and Māori organisations from across Tāmaki Makaurau from Te Hana to Port Waikato are coming together to coordinate the distribution of food, household items and other support for whānau over lockdown.
Taumata Korero chair Hurimoana Dennis from Te Puea Memorial Marae says the rōpū has secured $1 million from the Ministry for Social Development to stand up a Māori food network.
He says having the right people around the table means problems can be quickly identified and resolved.
Taumata Korero is looking beyond the food bank model.
"You sort of getting what you get rather than what is necessary. We're talking sanitary products and hygiene products and it doesn't always come. Sometimes you can get a bulk service of the same products. Our optional model allows us to get the kai that is needed and the resources that is needed and push on from there," Mr Dennis says.
Plans include a mix of vouchers and bulk purchase deals with supermarkets.
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