SuperGrans has a new base with expanded capacity to help whanau across Tairawhiti.
The new Pitt Street headquarters was officially opened on Friday by Ikarao-Rawhiti MP Meka Whaitiri, Mayor Rehette Stoltz and SuperGrans chairwoman Molly Pardoe.
At the heart of it is a big combination kitchen, featuring a commercial side where rescued food can be transformed into hearty, healthy meals, and a teaching side where families can come and learn to cook. There's more room, increased cold storage and a larger number of donations coming through the door which general manager Linda Coulston says means they can meet the increased demand in the community.
“We have a koha shed set up so people can access second-hand clothing, linen, blankets and warm gear for the winter,” she said. “More room at our new premises means we can help so many more people who are struggling in our community.”
Each month SuperGrans move around four tonnes of food — some donated and some saved — through the door and out to the community.
The new base was made possible with funding support from Trust Tairawhiti. SuperGrans chairwoman Molly Pardoe says they are hugely grateful for the support from Trust Tairawhiti, the Ministry of Social Development, New Zealand Food Network and many local businesses.
“Without that support we simply couldn't do what we do.”
SuperGrans help whanau across the region, covering from Mahia to Potaka. It is a “holistic wellbeing service” that offers people a hand when they need it most.
“We don't judge the situation that people find themselves in,” says Mrs Pardoe. “We just help out with what they need and operate according to old-fashioned whanaungatanga.”
The aim of the organisation is to give help in a way that supports people to help themselves and gain a greater level of control over their lives. Their assistance includes kai parcels, budgeting advice, life skills, cooking workshops and social work.
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