About Food for Love

Founded in 2016 by Rebecca (Bex) Sarginson and Louise Carnie, Food For Love is a charitable organization which provides a free home cooked meal to people in need in the Upper Clutha region. Recipients are generally going through a challenging time, such as an illness, bereavement, relationship or financial difficulties and are nominated by someone in the community. Several of these challenges are often exacerbated by the Upper Clutha’s unique location, as many people have no family or other support around them here.

Food For Love’s vision is to nourish our community and nurture social connection through nutritious food. We aim to ensure that no one in the Wānaka region is without a meal if they need one. Our team of volunteers prepare nourishing meals and baking from within their own homes and deliver them to our recipients. In addition, bulk cooked meals are provided by the team for the elderly at weekends or at other times as necessary.

Food For Love wouldn’t be able to serve the community in the way that we do if it wasn’t for the ongoing support of our volunteers, sponsors, partners, donors and the wider community.

Nominate someone to receive Food For Love here.

"On the occasions that I have helped out at Food for Love I have been humbled by the outstanding dedication, hard work and warmth shown by those involved. It is extremely sad that Food for Love is necessary in our community but, as long as it is needed, I will certainly keep volunteering."

On the occasions that I have helped out at Food for Love I have been humbled by the outstanding dedication, hard work and warmth shown by those involved. It is extremely sad that Food for Love is necessary in our community but, as long as it is needed, I will certainly keep volunteering.

"Our Food For Love families are mostly dealing with trauma that usually or often comes out of nowhere; food from the heart is much, much more than filling some tummies."

"You just do what you can, when you can and know in your heart, you are making someone's day, what’s hard to love about that?"

"I am a better person for having been involved with Food for Love and look forward to continuing my association with them long into the future."

"As a newcomer to Wānaka, I decided to join Food For Love volunteers as a way to meet people, as indeed I have. But right from the outset it became so clear as to the impact this organisation has within our community. The group has helped so many, many families at their time of need."

"I have lived in Wānaka for 16 years now and have always wanted to give something back to this great Community."

"It's not just about helping other people who are struggling, but also helping to find friendships and kindness in others."

"The army of cooks and delivery drivers speaks to the effectiveness of Rebecca's organisational abilities, along with the numerous local businesses that are behind her, amongst whom we count ourselves as enthusiastic members."

"Over the years we have helped by providing our facilities for use by community groups. We see this as an important way to contribute to the community (as the community have contributed to us). Recently this has been with Food For Love who are a fantastic charity helping nourish those who are often facing some of the hardest of times. We are proud to support this worthy organisation."

"I write this in support of Food For Love, as devised and driven by Rebecca Sarginson. As a company Amigos have always striven to find and empower community minded organisations who are providing a service that would otherwise be lacking, and whose absence would leave a palpable need in our area. The demand for the services FFL provides is testament to that need".

This charity caters to lighten the load for families who are grieving, who have lost jobs, are unwell - physically and mentally - and even for those who have accidents and cannot return to their homes. I hope for Food for Love to continue the work they do, in not only feeding folk, but helping to keep their spirits up, during times that are not anticipated.

"I can’t even express how much I believe in Food for Love and all that they do for our community down here in Wānaka. I have personally been volunteering for them for 3+ years now and the joy I get from cooking and delivering meals to those in need brings such joy to my heart."

"The Wānaka and surrounding community is incredibly fortunate to have the support and generosity of these Food for Love volunteers who are taking care of families and individuals who are going through many challenging life events."

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