Kai Avondale is nourishing both the bodies and spirits of locals across the community. Managed by community development organisation I Love Avondale, Kai Avondale brings together a range of food programmes that help people access nutritious kai when they need it most.
‘Many in our community – young and old, working and unwaged, newcomers and Avondale for life’ers – go hungry,’ says Jaclyn Bonnici. ‘For some, the need is short-term. For others, it is ongoing. And often, that hunger is not just for food, but for connection too.’ Kai Avondale meets both needs through its food parcel service, Free Guys, and its Feed the Streets community meals.
Demand continues to grow. Last year, more than 4,000 people enjoyed a free two-course meal through Feed the Streets. The programme provides nourishing, home-cooked food for working families, beneficiaries, pensioners, boarding house residents, and people experiencing homelessness.
At the same time, the Free Guys social food pantry gifted nearly 6,000 food parcels and 7,200 ready-to-eat meals. Over 90 percent of the food is donated or rescued. Ready meals also allow Kai Avondale’s creative volunteer cooks to transform surplus ingredients into delicious kai that would otherwise go to waste. ‘Anne and the mighty team of volunteers do so much more than serve food,’ says Jaclyn. ‘They help build social connections, resilience, and hope within the Avondale community.’
That commitment was put to the test last year when the Council-owned Avondale Community Centre closed with little warning. The centre hosted the fortnightly Feed the Streets meal, which regularly welcomed 150 to 200 locals. ‘Our guests value the reliability of “same place, same time”,’ explains Jaclyn. ‘We worried that the sudden change would cause distress and uncertainty.’ With only days to spare, the team shifted the meal to the car park.
Soon after, Haven Avondale stepped in and generously offered its premises. Feed the Streets now runs primarily as a takeaway service, while still offering space for people to sit and share a meal. As a registered charity, I Love Avondale continues to face funding pressures.
‘Like many West Auckland community groups, we are seeing reduced funding from key sources,’ says Jaclyn. A grant of more than $11,800 from the Your West Support Fund has helped cover staff and operational costs. ‘We are deeply grateful to The Trusts for supporting initiatives that create connected, resilient, and thriving communities.’
For more information about Kai Avondale and other I Love Avondale offerings, visit their website or social media.
