By Priyavrata Das
Food for Life in the Northern Island of New Zealand received two glowing articles in the Whangarei Leader. One article featured volunteer Vanessa Hodgon who has served at the FFL kitchen for the last 18 months, while the other reported on the Corrections’ Vegetable Garden that supplies the FFL kitchen and the Salvation Army food bank
Reporter Penelope McConnell wrote:
“Last Tuesday they were lined up at the door,” said Vanessa. “On a rainy, cold day people like to come in for a hot meal. We definitely have our regulars.”
When Hodgon moved to Whangarei she found she needed things to do and a way to get out of the house and meet new people. She looks forward to volunteering every Wednesday and often turns up early to ensure everything is clean and ready to go.
“This area at the front is my domain,” she says. “Everyone gets to know each other, there is no stress and we have a nice meal together.”
The other article reported on Food for Life’s innovative program for engaging prisoners in the charity’s good work. The article was titled: OFFENDERS TURN HAND TO HELP.
Reporter, Alexandra Newlove said:
More than 400 offenders are quietly righting their wrongs in the Whangarei community. We hardly hear of them, but the thousands of men and women sentenced to community work each year help maintain our schools, parks, marae, churches and cemeteries.
Community service manager Jay Wain in the Corrections’ Vegetable Garden that is maintained by offenders, said: “We are very proud of this garden, seedlings are supplied by Mitre 10 and Bunnings and the food grown here is donated to Food for Life and the Salvation Army.”
To learn more about Food for Life in New Zealand and how you can get involved or support the project visit: http://www.foodforlifenorthland.org.nz
Email: info@foodforlifenorthland.org.nz
Phone: 022 1218908
Visit: 26 Water Street, Whangarei, New Zealand