Waiheke Resources Trust opens applications for MSD Food Security Funding:
From Tuesday 7 December, the Waiheke community can apply for a portion of $15,000 of funding for new or existing projects on the motu that support food security. Waiheke Resources Trust are keen to hear from those that seek to improve access to affordable food, who are reducing food waste or enabling growers.
Food security is described by the United Nations as all people having physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. This is a human right that the Waiheke Resources Trust supports through its broad commitment to 13 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, in its Kai Conscious food rescue and Kai Gardens project work and in its grant funding applications.
Livné Ore is WRT’s Grants and Operations Coordinator and is managing the application process. Waiheke Resources Trust applied to the Ministry for Social Development ‘Food Secure Communities’ grant in 2020. This successful application was for Waiheke to work together to develop and implement a Food Secure Communities Plan to create long-term, sustainable food security in the community.
Part of this funding was used to bring people together in the November 2020 Kai Waiheke Food Resilience Hui. The rest is for Waiheke community-led (grass-roots up) initiatives that will enhance food security and resilience on the motu. Waiheke Resources Trust is redistributing the remaining funding — $15,000 — via a quick grant application process.
“We had exceptional attendance at the food resilience hui, which is testament to the committed, socially-minded and skilled individuals within our community. It also suggests we could get some amazing projects started or kept going with the help of this food security funding from MSD,” says Livné.
Individuals and groups are eligible to apply and are encouraged to download the application forms from the WRT’s website. Completed submissions must be emailed to Livné by 5pm on Wednesday 12 January 2021.
“Every time we increase capacity or branch out into new areas of sustainable food management, we increase our strength as a community. There are huge social and environmental gains in having a food resilient system. Food also has a special ability to bring people together in growing, harvesting, cooking and eating.
“For anyone new to this space — or to the motu generally — they need only to look at the community gardens, food rescue projects and education initiatives happening already to see the efforts and impact our community is making towards equitable access to healthy food, creating food sovereignty, and tackling food waste. Food resilience is a crucial component to a strong and sustainable community, and we hope this funding takes Waiheke on the next step of this journey.”
