Cathedral 'Healthy Eating Co-op' Popular

Fresh fruit and vegetables are becoming increasingly unaffordable for those on low incomes. Figures released by Statistics New Zealand in March 2011 show that food prices have risen 5.3% from a year ago. Life is getting tougher and tougher for those who have the least in New Zealand. A Cathedral programme has been developed to assist individuals and families purchase fresh produce at discount prices, on a weekly basis.

This grows out of a successful Co-op run by the Anglican parish of Bryndwr, started 18 years ago by the then vicar and now Cathedral staff member, Rev Craig Dixon. The Healthy Eating Programme is the first to be developed under the Cathedral's community development 'CORE' (Community Organised Healthy Eating ... Relief) logo. Aims for this adventurous and innovative programme include: - Providing fresh fruit and vegetables on a weekly basis to individuals and families at wholesale prices or below. - Providing information and support on healthy eating to families, individuals and communities. - Sharing a theology of ‘healthy eating’, sustainability, and community responsibility through written material and the media. The programme commenced October 5 and has proved hugely popular.

For those wishing to join the Cathedral Healthy Eating Coop, contact:

New Brighton Processing Hub: Katrina Hill - Organiser. Tel: 388 9971 or 029 770 3098. email - katrina.hill4@gmail.com. Distributing through St Faith's Anglican Church,  46 Hawke St, New Brighton, Christchurch.

 Bryndwr Hub: Sue Sinclair Organiser. Tel: 3518075. Distributing through St Aidan's Anglican, Bryndwr, 63 Brookside Tce, Christchurch and Te Puna Oraka, 69B Briggs Road, Shirley, Christchurch. Contact Marge Reedy -Tel: 385-5691. email - marge.reedy@earlystart.co.nz.

Addington Action Processing Hub: Mike Peters - Organiser. Tel: 980 0902, 027 2105042, info@addingtonaction.org.nz. Distributing through Generation Health / KidsFirst Kindergarten, Selwyn St / Manuka Cottage / Opawa Baptist / St John of God Waipuna / Sydenham Community Centre / Sydenham Salvation Army / West Spreydon School)

Linwood Hub: Local Coordinator Tel 379 3256. Distributing through St Chad's Anglican, Linwood Salvation Army, Linwood Community Resource Centre, Phillipstown Community Centre, and St John of God Waipuna.