Foodstuffs North Island is helping to reduce e-waste and lessen New Zealand’s digital divide as they work with Recycle A Device (RAD) – a non-profit initiative that provides refurbished laptops for rangatahi (young people) who otherwise wouldn't have access to devices. Each month, RAD receives donations of unwanted laptops which are refurbished by specially trained rangatahi. These refurbished laptops are then donated to community groups or school students who need them for employment, education, cultural expression, and general participation in society. Foodstuffs North Island uses around 1,300 laptops across its support and distribution centres. The co-operative buys around 300 more annually to replace retired assets and has pledged to donate these old devices to RAD as they leave warranty. Foodstuffs New Zealand Waste Minimisation Manager Emma Harding says it was a natural fit for Foodstuffs, which is 100% locally owned and operated, to partner with RAD as they both committed to supporting local communities to thrive. “We love the idea of working with a New Zealand-based organisation to help reduce our e-waste and support the next generation of young people across the nation.”

From 01 July 2023, single-use plastic produce bags will be removed from all supermarkets and grocery stores. This is part of a wider phase out by the New Zealand Government on single-use plastics and includes items like plastic straws and containers, saving around 150 million single-use plastic produce bags from going to landfill. Foodstuffs, the 100% Kiwi owned co-operatives behind PAK’nSAVE, New World and Four Square supermarkets, welcomes the change, with Foodstuffs Sustainable Packaging Manager, Debra Goulding saying it’s a positive move for New Zealand. “Kiwis have adapted well to bringing in their shopping bags to store and we’re confident we can all do the same with bringing our own reusable produce bags from home too. Our teams have been working hard behind the scenes to make the transition easier for Kiwis. We’ve focused on getting the right systems in place, having our people trained and providing instore signage for customers.” Loose fruit and vegetables are sold by weight and its vitally important Foodstuffs customers only pay for the weight of their produce, and not the bag they place it in. Instore and check-out teams have been putting up signage to help customers take the right steps to ensure they only pay for the produce they’ve selected. Customers are encouraged to look out for step-by-step instructions in the produce department and around stores. If they are unsure or need help, they should ask any of the in-store team.

Inspired by New World's recent Family2Family campaign, which saw New World supermarkets and customers right across the country supporting their local City Mission or foodbank, Morgan and Steve accepted the challenge and worked alongside renowned chefs Petra Galler, Michael Meredith and Mike Van de Elzen to craft meals that were served to the event's guests. Reflecting on the experience, Morgan McCann said: “Our co-op has made a commitment to be here for New Zealanders by helping our local communities to thrive. I enjoy cooking but had never cooked for 150 people before. It was a bit daunting, but we received excellent coaching and by the end of the night, I’d gained a newfound appreciation for the hard work chefs put in. It was an amazing experience, and I’m delighted to support such a worthy cause. The Auckland City Mission provides crucial assistance to individuals and families right across Auckland." Steve McClean, Owner Operator of New World Orewa, who has prior experience cooking for large groups, including youth camps, shared his perspective on the event, saying: "I love giving back and supporting the local community, so this opportunity was right up my alley. St Matthew-in-the-City is an incredible venue, the food was exceptional, and the experience was truly humbling." With overwhelming support from across the Foodstuffs co-operative and wider community, collectively Morgan and Steve raised over $57,000 for the Auckland City Mission. In total the Cook Off raised $246,000