On a mission to make healthy food affordable

A new fruit and vegetable outlet in Albert Park is on a mission to make healthy food more affordable.

Auckland City Mission - Te Tāpui Atawhai  and Auckland Council have worked with Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, to create MIssion Grocer at a council cottage off Princes Street.

The social enterprise sources fruit and vegetables from registered suppliers and offers low-cost, healthy meals from Vinnie’s Kitchen, says Mission Grocer project manager, Kelly O’Hara, from Auckland City Mission.

“We keep our overheads as low as possible and are supported by volunteers, so we can keep our prices affordable,” O’Hara says.

An extra 10 percent discount is available for students and people with a Community Services Card.

University of Auckland health promotion adviser Tee Bouttier-Esprit says nationally, research shows two out of three students regularly don’t have enough money to cover the cost of basic necessities, such as food.

“Food insecurity is a growing problem. We know students often skip fruit and vegetables because they can’t afford them and members of our staff community sometimes experience poverty, because everyone is so close to poverty without realising it.

“There’s no restriction on who can access the affordable, healthy food at Mission Grocer.

“And there’s no shame – the food is for everyone, whether they’re students, staff, homeless people, or families in need who live nearby,” says Bouttier-Esprit.

The Mission Grocer has a ‘pay it forward’ system, where people with a few dollars to spare can buy a grocery bag or a ready-made meal for someone in need.

“Ever since I first heard about the level of food insecurity among students, I have dreamed of having a ‘pay it forward’ system.

“So many staff have talked about how they wanted to do something to reduce food insecurity in the University, so this allows them to do that easily.

“There’s a board with notes showing items available for free, and people who have paid it forward write messages that people really appreciate as well,” he says.

The Mission Grocer launched in Albert Park a month ago, adding another outlet to the existing Mission Grocer at HomeGround on Federal Street.

The items available include treats, such as strawberries and grapes, at affordable prices, as well as staples, such as potatoes and broccoli.

The ready-made meals range from lasagnes to curries, and sometimes include vegetarian options.

“It’s a great place to go to buy lunch to heat up or vegies for dinner.

“I encourage everyone to use it and to talk to your colleagues about the foods available and how you prepare them.

“It’s not just about having healthy foods accessible, it’s about reinforcing the sense of community in the University,” says Bouttier-Esprit.

The Kitchen Project, which supports emerging food businesses, also operates from the Whare Kai at the cottage in Albert Park.

Bouttier-Esprit says Auckland restaurateur Connie Clarkson and former cook Hayden Stewart, who run the Kitchen Project, have been teaching students at two University halls of residence how to cook healthy meals.

Monthly classes have been held over the past two years, with international students particularly keen to develop their culinary skills.

“Students increase their food security by learning how to cook with affordable seasonal fruit and vegetables,” he says.

The Mission Grocer at Albert Park is open from 10am to 3pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until the end of November. It will open again when University begins next year.

More volunteers are needed – email volunteer@aucklandcitymission.org.nz