Cromwell Community House (CCH) and Cromwell Neighbourhood Support are gathering interested groups and individuals together to set up a food network for the town.

The idea behind the Cromwell Community Food Network (CCFN) is to coordinate existing groups and initiatives and set up new ones.

The organisations hope to promote and share food security opportunities and leverage the food networks operating in Queenstown and Wānaka.

Cromwell Community House manager Karen Palmer said there was quite an increase in the number of people looking for food parcels.

She’s been in the role for the past three and a half years, and she said the need is bigger than ever.  

Karen said people in the community who have trees and want a hand to get their produce harvested can register for this by calling CCH. 

The CCFN will collect up the fruit, and potentially preserve it, or make jam which can be donated to those in need and/or returned to the owner.

Karen said the idea behind the CCFN is “all about collaboration” involving a “diverse group” of agencies, businesses and individuals. 

The spins offs she envisages are improved connection, education around sustainability and gardening, as well as vulnerable people being supported.

“We hope to tie it all together… it’s going to be a continual process, hopefully to evolve into being community minded… and a bit of a return to old fashioned values, and a barter system where you talk to your neighbour.”

Statistics New Zealand consumer prices manager James Mitchell said the most recent FPI figures were a record high.

“The 12.5 per cent annual increase in April 2023 was the largest since September 1987 which included the introduction of GST in 1986,” James said. 

People interested in the CCFN initial meeting can head to the Cromwell Youth Hangout, Murray Tce on Monday, June 26 at midday. An online meeting option will be available.

Register for the meeting on this Community Food Network registration form.