Kyogle is known for its strong sense of community, and a new initiative by Kyogle Together, supported by the EPA and NSW Government, is strengthening that connection. Nourishing Kyogle’, a sustainable food rescue initiative is designed to bring together local food businesses, producers, and home gardeners to help support people experiencing food insecurity.
Foodbank’s 2024 Hunger Report found 2 million Australian households are experiencing severe food insecurity and do not have enough to feed their families.
Kyogle Shire is not immune from this, in fact Kyogle Shire is in the top five areas in NSW experiencing food insecurity. In short, our children are going hungry.
‘Food waste and food insecurity are two sides of the same coin,’ says Kyogle Together’s General Manager, Lea Hine.
‘While fresh, edible food often goes to waste, many individuals and families in the Kyogle region struggle to access affordable nutrition. Nourishing Kyogle’ bridges this gap by rescuing surplus food and redistributing it to those in need.’
How it works
The program accepts donations of food from local businesses, farmers, and even home gardeners who have an excess of fresh produce. Whether it’s misshapen vegetables, extra loaves of bread, surplus stock or items nearing their best-before date, all donations are welcomed.
Kyogle Together has a refrigerated ute that can be seen around town, picking up food donations and and delivering them to local food relief programs, community meals, and individuals in need.
To date the program has rescued and redistributed half a tonne of food, or 1400 meals, in the Kyogle shire. This has also saved over a tonne of CO2 emissions by reducing landfill.
A call to action for local businesses and growers
Kyogle Together is actively seeking partnerships with food businesses, local producers, and individuals to expand the program’s reach. By donating surplus food, contributors not only reduce waste and support their community but may also qualify for tax benefits.
‘We want to remove barriers and make giving as easy as possible,’ says ‘Nourishing Kyogle’ program manager, John Lumley.
‘We handle logistics, provide reports, ensure food safety, and distribute donations where they’re needed most. By donating surplus food, businesses and growers are not only reducing waste but also playing a direct role in helping their community and tackling food insecurity.’
How to get involved
To donate food or learn more about the program, contact John Lumley at [email protected], call/text 0499 495 270, or keep an eye out for their refrigerated ute making the rounds in town and stop them for a chat.
Kyogle Together plans to nourish Kyogle, reduce food waste, and create a healthier, more connected community.
The organisation is a Kyogle-based charity that operates many community programs, including the Kyogle Community Gym, The Fair Share Kitchen and the Youth Space next to the pool.
‘As a registered charitable organisation, we recognise that inequitable access to resources and opportunities affects many regional areas, including Kyogle,’ said Lea Hine.
‘Through the Nourishing Kyogle initiative we want to see people in Kyogle experience positive wellbeing in a community that is connected, which exemplifies our commitment to connecting people and strengthening communities.’
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