Waste Not Want Not goes from Strength to Strength.

Nearly 150 tonnes in three years. These are the startling figures from the WNWN project in the Carrathool Shire since its beginning in 2010. The project, a joint collaboration between the Uniting Church, the Carrathool Shire and Foodbank, was designed to send fruit and veges  that do not meet the very strict specifications of supermarkets to Sydney. They may be too big or too small, or have a small blemish on the skin, and so are rejected by the large supermarket chains.  Potatoes, oranges, pumpkins, olive oil, watermelons and other fruit and veges are all part of the project.

Julie receiving an award from Foodbank CEO, Gerry Andersen

When the project started in 2010 it was envisaged that we might be able to deliver 0.75 tonnes a year – a number that now seems ridiculously small.  Not only have we vastly exceeded this but we now have projects in Leeton and Griffith, and Foodbank has part-time coordinators in Griffith to also source produce. The fresh fruit and  veges going from the Riverina is now averaging  440 tonnes a year. Some produce is also staying in the region and the Meals on Wheels, Red Cross Breakfast program and Griffith CareVan are all benefitting from the supply.

Supportive Carrathool mayor, Peter Laird, also receives an award.

The enthusiasm of the local Hillston community for the project was demonstrated as 32 people gathered for the AGM and dinner. We were delighted to have Foodbank CEO Gerry Andersen and his wife Pat join us for the evening, along with many of our local producers who  have contributed so much.

This project has truly managed to bring together the whole community to work for the benefit of others. From the school kids to those in their 80’s, lots have helped to pick or pack the produce. There has also been extraordinary generosity on the part of local producers.
It is a lived out example of God’s call to us in Matt 25:35, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat  …..”

Julie Greig