THE Country Women’s Association (CWA) awareness week held earlier this month promoted the benefits of seasonal eating.
It highlighted the importance of reducing food waste and advocated for the introduction of a national “Food Donation Tax Incentive”.
Gloucester CWA President Anne Williamson said seasonal food is “often fresher and harvested at its peak”.
“The fresher the food, the more likely it is to be nutrient-dense,” she said.
The CWA of NSW has partnered with regionally-based food writer Sophie Hansen and CEO of Foodbank, Brianna Casey, to help educate people on the importance of being mindful regarding how we buy and consume food.
“Planning the family menu for the week or a fortnight is one way to reduce waste and save money,” Anne said.
According to Foodbank, more than 7.6 tonnes of food go to waste each year; 70 percent of it being perfectly edible.
At the same time more than 640,000 households in NSW and the ACT experienced severe food insecurity in the last 12 months, and is felt more acutely in the regions.
Gloucester’s community groups are working to address this, including the Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Group (BWNG).
As part of their Safety Net Program, BWNG approached the local Woolworths for food donations to be shared with community members in need.
Donna Kemp from BWNG told News Of The Area that some fruit “goes to the local playgroup to encourage healthy eating”.
“At Christmas we provide boxes for people experiencing financial difficulties,” she said.
“As well as donations from Woolies, locals are invited to contribute any excess produce they have like oranges, passionfruit, chokos, pumpkins or whatever.
“Gloucester High School Agricultural Farm also donates produce.”
By Marilyn SANDERSON
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