New regions appreciating Every Bite
A new group of partners delivered Every Bite to their communities this February, gathering feedback and building momentum ahead of Food Appreciation Month in May
The February programmes, delivered to groups in Kaitaia, Whangārei, Auckland (North and South), Coromandel, Whitianga, Thames, Waikino, and Tairāwhiti, were an opportunity for new partners to test the content and approach ahead of a wider delivery in May. It was also the first time an online-only facilitated Every Bite programme has been available, designed and piloted in partnership with Mainstream Green. Alongside this, Every Bite took its first steps into primary schools, through the educators at the Environmental Resources Sustainability Trust (EERST).
Every Bite was ‘well worth doing,’ according to Hauraki participant Anne Marie Spicer. ‘I thought I had food waste fairly sorted but I was wrong! It's a great programme that now has me more organised, wasting less, and I've even saved money on grocery bills.’
In-person launch events run by Hubs included live cooking demonstrations by chefs and experts, shared kai, games and quizzes, instructions on canning, and guest speakers. The groups were then supported through the four weeks by Facebook or WhatsApp groups, email newsletters, and text messages, before reconvening for a kōrero at the end. The online programme featured daily emails and videos sharing tips and resources, plus weekly Zoom gatherings.
Beautification Trust launch event. Photo - Beautification Trust.
The pilot programmes resulted in 167 people attending programme kick off events and 102 people sharing the specific actions they took at home during the programme. Of those completing the programme in February, 97% of people have reduced their avoidable food waste, and plan to continue with the activities. 80% of participants shared Every Bite content in their households, workplaces, and communities. Tips, challenges, and spot prizes were also enjoyed.
The first months of Every Bite’s second year have been busy but rewarding, says Project Manager Rachel Glasier. ‘This milestone, running from Sept 2024 to February 2025, was focused on onboarding our new delivery partners, designing our online-only and schools initiatives, and new hub partners delivering pilot programmes in their communities.’
She acknowledged the substantial mahi involved in planning and delivering the programmes during a tricky time of year. ‘It’s been exciting to see the new partners come on board and take Every Bite into their regions, supported by the experience of returning partners Wastebusters and Sustainable Hawke’s Bay. We’ve also set up a new CRM system for efficiency as the Every Bite community increases in scale. This all helps prepare for a larger collective effort this May, where we hope to inspire many others to join the movement.’
Every Bite participants in Thames hear from chef Kishan Raikwar, owner of Gastronomics Restaurant. Photo - Seagull Centre.
The February programme offered new insights for the central team, including:
Collaborations with chefs continue to appeal, and helped create connections with new audiences. Practical instruction and food demonstrations were highly appreciated, with many participants learning new techniques and tips.
Participants said they valued the face-to-face connections, new learning, and opportunities to share knowledge with others.
Social media groups, newsletters, and weekly text prompts were rated highly for helping maintain momentum and energy over the four weeks.
Some Hubs found the summer holiday timing challenging for recruitment and planning.
Weekly Zoom gatherings were a highlight of the online facilitated programme, despite some drop in attendance over time. Participants found these sessions highly effective in not only raising food waste awareness but also for boosting their confidence and providing practical strategies to reduce waste at home.
Adapting food waste reduction strategies to fit different household needs continues to be important, as people are at different stages of their waste reduction journey.
A special shout out to Envirohub Bay of Plenty, Dunedin City Council and Waikato Wellbeing Project who helped to promote the online programme.
Every Bite is delivered by the Zero Waste Network and is part of the Ministry for the Environment’s National Food Waste Reduction Programme.
Want to take part in Every Bite in May? Make sure you’ve joined the movement here, and follow our social media platforms - Facebook and Instagram. Local programmes and the Online Facilitated Programme will open for registrations from April 1st.