Foodstuffs North Island, the 101-year-old, 100% New Zealand owned and operated co-operative of grocers, is proud to announce plans to open the Coromandel’s first social supermarket in Paeroa in partnership with Te Whāriki Manawāhine O Hauraki.
The new store, which will be called Pātaka Kai – Hauraki Social Supermarket, meaning store house or pantry in te reo, is a collaborative effort aimed at addressing food insecurity in the community, while preserving the mana and dignity of those in need.
Food and grocery products will be offered at low or no cost, utilising a points system, all within a standard supermarket environment, making healthy and affordable food accessible to the community.
Tania Weidenbohm, Board of Trustee Member for Te Whāriki Manawāhine O Hauraki: said: “We currently provide food support to over 150 families a week so the idea behind partnering with Foodstuffs North Island to open a social supermarket is to give these families and our community an empowering experience. We’re going to be offering a supermarket-style environment where people experiencing food insecurity will have the opportunity to choose items that meet their dietary, cultural, and personal preferences.”
Willa Hand, Social Supermarket Lead for Foodstuffs North Island said: “We know many families are doing it tough right now which is why we’re on a mission to open social supermarkets right across the North Island. We’re big on community collaboration and have been really impressed by the mahi put in by Te Whāriki Manawāhine O Hauraki and their commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of their community and can’t wait to open this social supermarket in December!”
Foodstuffs has made a commitment to be ‘Here for NZ’ and has promised to help ensure all New Zealanders have access to healthy, affordable food and to support local communities to thrive.
Willa Hand explains: We’re retailers, that’s our expertise whereas Te Whāriki Manawāhine O Hauraki are making a big impact on their community, that’s what they’re great at. Our teams fit out the space to create the store, provide the training and ongoing support as-well-as making a commitment to help keep the shelves stocked. Te Whāriki Manawāhine O Hauraki help design the social supermarket, so it caters for the needs of the local community and put in the mahi to provide an awesome service. It’s a real partnership.”
Foodstuffs North Island opened its first social supermarket in partnership with Wellington City Council back in March 2021. The co-op has since partnered with community organisations to open a further seven social supermarkets across the North Island, with Pātaka Kai set to become number nine.
In addition to providing food support, community partners like Te Whāriki Manawāhine O Hauraki also offer wraparound services to help individuals access additional support. Services such as refuge and support for whānau to assist with accessing services that best meet their needs, addressing the underlying causes of food insecurity and promoting overall wellbeing.
PAK’nSAVE Thames, under the guidance of Owner Operator, Matt Heap, will act as the buddy store for the new social supermarket, providing ongoing support and training to ensure the store’s success.
Pātaka Kai is scheduled to open its doors on Friday, 15 December 2023.
