Seeing good food go to waste is a scourge for plenty of households and Richmond woman Kate Westrupp decided to do something about it.
Last week, Kate established the area’s first community fruit and vege stand on the corner of Churchill Ave and Polglase St in Richmond, and it’s already proving popular.
“I always think stuff needs to be used. I’ve given away all sorts of things over the years,” says Kate.
The kiwi-grown, pay-it-forward scheme began in the North Island and has been paving the way for tonnes of fresh fruit and veges to land on tables instead of in the bin.
Offering fruit and vege free for the taking, the idea is to drop off anything spare in return, though there is no pressure to trade if you’re unable, you can just take what you like.
While Kate doesn’t garden, she says the stand provides a mechanism for those who do and saves excess produce going to waste.
“I hope people come and use it. Take the food and eat it, and, obviously, people need to bring food as well.”