Good for the pocket, puku and planet
Since emerging as an idea in 2017, the Papatoetoe Food Hub in South Auckland has been growing a community-based approach to providing good and affordable food.
In South Auckland, the drive for more sustainable, local food systems is coming from communities. The Food Hub concept revolves around community-led enterprise, within a circular economy model in which surplus food is rescued from being wasted and turned into affordable food for the community.
The idea to create a food hub emerged via the Healthy Families South Auckland team in 2017 and from the idea, an informal collective of local people and community organisations grew around the concept, breathing life into the idea, developing the initiative and exploring operational models.
The Food Hub journey in Papatoetoe has required sustained effort from community champions and stakeholders, and has been challenged by council regulatory requirements, set up costs, financial sustainability and power dynamics.
Despite the challenges, the Food Hub concept is a proven model - good for the pocket, puku and planet. Highlighting that more sustainable local food systems can be designed and led by communities. Between September 2019 and May 2021, the work of the Papatoetoe Food Hub influenced Auckland Council to invest in more Community Food Hubs across Tāmaki Makaurau, as part of its long term plan in 2022. Similar models are now operating in West Auckland (Massey and Glenavon) and Papakura.
Food hubs are a pathway to localising the food system with nutritious and culturally appropriate food for all.