Kai Ora projects get boost

Annette Lambly-Robinson Reporter from Whangārei Leader

More projects than ever are being supported through the Kai Ora Fund to make healthy food available and support sustainable community and economic growth in Northland. There are three new partners, two new regions covered, a record number of applications, and 26 new projects funded.

The fund is a partnership between Far North District Council, Te Tai Tokerau PHO, Te Puni Kōkiri, Northland Inc, and Manaia Health PHO. Since beginning in 2015, Kai Ora has funded 56 projects.

Spokesperson Ngaire Rae said the number and quality of applications this year was impressive. "It's very exciting to see the energy and passion in the community around local food. We can't wait to see what this round of projects will achieve."

New projects include the set-up of a cooperative food mart in the Hokianga, watercress growing, creation of backyard garden boxes in 50 homes in Kawakawa, start-up of a youth-led mobile smoothie bar in Kaitaia, and school-based garden-to-table programmes. The project teams made connections with each other at recent Kai Ora workshops and many will now work together to make an even bigger impact.

Daniela Johnson, Kai Ora coordinator at Te Tai Tokerau PHO, says that the fund will run again next year. "We're keen to hear from groups interested in applying in the future or interested in contributing to current projects."

Johnson says that Kai Ora aims to fund projects that will make healthy, local, sustainable food easily available throughout Tai Tokerau. "We're here to encourage and support those who share this dream and passion," she says.
For more information about the fund visit: www.tttpho.co.nz...