Farmers’ hand for those in need

NOOSA Farmers Markets have teamed up with Reap Sunshine Coast to help feed those in need throughout the region.
Reap’s first collection at the markets on 19 April resulted in 250kg of food collected for those in need, with all the food donated to local charities and organisations for onward distribution.
Since its inception in August 2014, Reap Sunshine Coast has collected over 4500kg of food.
The new partnership with Noosa Farmers Markets means the program can not only increase its supply of fresh food, but Reap can now increase their reach through local organisations.
Chapter co-ordinator Michele Lipner said the Reap program was all about local people working together to rescue good food.
“It is an expression of community helping community,” she said.
“At the same time, it is important to stress that this helping hand is not only about the exchange of food, it is a relationship of give and take where everyone benefits.
Ms Lipner said a number of local producers had already expressed their thanks for the group redirecting their food, rather than it going to waste.