Getting fruit and veggies to kiwis in need

Fairgrow, launched in Auckland this morning by fresh produce company T&G Fresh will collect surplus and donated fruit and vegetables from its business and across its 1,200 grower partners.

Andrew Keaney, managing director T&G Fresh says COVID-19 has turned many people’s lives upside down and right now large numbers of Kiwis are finding it difficult to provide healthy and nutritious food to their families, and this need is outstripping what’s currently being donated.

“As a country of nutritious fresh food producers, we want to provide people with a fair go and make the most of Aotearoa’s produce,” Keaney says.

“That’s where Fairgrow can help. We will capture and aggregate surplus and donated fruit and vegetables from across our 1,200 grower partners, as well as from our own business, thereby building a community of growers and partners who have a bit or a bunch to spare.”

National levels of food insecurity have risen sharply in recent months as many New Zealand families are facing increased financial hardship as a result of COVID-19. On the other hand, it is estimated $872 million worth of food is wasted annually – representing 122,500 tonnes sent to landfill.

 “We know addressing food insecurity will require everyone, including business, Government and community groups, to work together and take collaborative action,’ says Keaney.

“Fairgrow will help with this by also raising funds to buy produce when it’s not in abundance or readily available, thereby providing Kiwis in need with greater availability throughout the year. Furthermore, at various times of the year, some produce might be left in the ground or on trees as it may not have a natural commercial home. Fairgrow will make financial contributions towards helping harvest and donate some of these crops.”