Reusable bags for the Foodbank

One of our amazing social workers, Sarah Davis, has been getting creative with reducing waste and rethinking recycling at our busy Dunedin foodbank. Recently, Sarah was featured on the Rethinking Waste podcast on OAR FM, where she spoke about her work with Family Works, the foodbank, and our efforts to cut down on waste. You can listen to the episode on their website: oar.org.nz/shows/rethinking-waste

Sarah is the driving force behind a brilliant new initiative inviting volunteers to sew reusable food bags for the foodbank. These bags are made from upcycled curtain fabric that can no longer be used for its original purpose – kindly donated to us by the Dunedin Curtain Bank (although any sturdy, thick fabric can be used).

With demand for emergency food parcels on the rise, we’ve been relying on single-use bags, which are flimsy and contribute to environmental waste. That’s where the sturdy reusable bags come in, not only do they help people who are in need of food parcels, they also support a more sustainable future.

BANNER IMAGE: Sarah Davis alongside REthinking Waste podcast hosts Leisa de Klerk and Rob Riddell Tigeir

PODCAST: You can find Sarah's interview about the project on the REthinking Waste podcast https://oar.org.nz/shows/rethinking-waste

Want to help?

If you love to sew – or want to learn – we’d love your help! Visit our Foodbank Bag Volunteers page to find out how to get involved.

Every bag you sew supports a family, reduces waste, and makes a real impact on both our community and the environment.

More about the podcast

The Ōtepoti Waste Minimisation Network produces a podcast called REthinking Waste - from recycling to resources in Ōtepoti. This fortnightly show features local waste minimisation legends discussing reducing, reusing, repurposing, refurbishing, repairing, reclaiming, and recycling and how this all sits in the wider context of our climate and people. Volunteer hosts Leisa de Klerk and Rob Riddell Tìgeir as well as occasional guest presenters record the show. The show is supported by DCC, with myself and Rowan Cooke producing/organising and promoting. Each episode also features a featured guest/s showcasing the mahi they /their group does, and a helpful tip/hint/hack for people. Episodes can be found across all podcast platforms, with more information also available here: REthinking Waste – From Recycling to Resources in Ōtepoti - Otago Access Radio.

Donate to support our services