The Auckland Food Show has announced a new partnership with Auckland City Mission, which will see the charity receive exhibitor's leftover product at the end of the event.
The Auckland Food Show, which is in its 15th year, is the biggest food event in the country and typically sees 35,000 people visit across a four-day period. Many of the 300 exhibitors who will be showing off their food, drinks and kitchenware, will have stock left over at the end of the show. Instead of transporting this stock again, exhibitors will now have the option to donate it to the Auckland City Mission.
The Mission provides vital services to people living in desperate need, by providing emergency food parcels, homeless outreach and a medical centre. This year, its team of Winter Warriors will be providing around 11,000 emergency food parcels to people across the city. Donations by exhibitors – both perishable and not – at the show will contribute to these food parcels, which are distributed to families that have run out of options and need immediate help.
"We feel very passionately about the work Auckland City Mission does in the community, and we know that they have to work constantly to find enough food and supplies for people in need. We hope that by partnering with the Mission, our generous exhibitors can help to fill these food parcels – a win-win," says Food Show organiser Dona White, CEO of North Port Events.
The Auckland City Mission will also have a stand at The Food Show (Stand Number H8), where volunteers will be fundraising through the sale of Mission note cards and donations buckets. There will also be a display about the Mission's services and how these impact on the community.
Auckland City Missioner, Dame Diane Robertson says she is thrilled that exhibitors have already jumped on board to support the donation drive.
"We're so appreciative of the donations we receive, especially at this cold, harsh time of year. What's especially nice is that on top of the basics we already provide in our emergency food parcels, some Food Show exhibitors will be supplying treat foods that families we work with wouldn't usually get. I'm sure they're going to be nicely surprised!"
The Food Show is on at ASB Showgrounds from 30 July – 2 August. www.foodshow.co.nz