Older people who can't grow their own vegetables can receive free garden goodies year round thanks to an Age Concern Tairawhiti initiative.
Volunteers Dave Willis, William Pere, and Stuart Rameka coordinate the project, with periodic detention labourers overseen by the Department of Corrections.
Use of land for the vegetable gardens is donated by a local person, while vegetable wholesaler Leader Brands has provided seeds.
Animal dung is contributed by the Gisborne Showgrounds.
Dave and other volunteers deliver broccolini, lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, and other fresh veges to older people who live in pensioner and Housing NZ accommodation.
Age Concern Tairawhiti's Frances Toroa says vegetables have also been supplied to the local Salvation Army foodbank, and are available to any older person who welcomes freshly grown produce.
Surplus vegetables are sold to raise money for petrol for volunteers, and to buy extra seed.
The garden initiative is unfunded and Age Concern Tairawhiti welcomes inquiries from sponsors, or other communities that might like to develop a community vege project.
Phone (06) 867 6533 or email Frances at tac.tai@xtra.co.nz