My Kai - What local food means to me...

Using local food is something I feel strongly about. I think it's an amazing way to showcase what my region has to offer on a plate. As well as giving people and experience.

Why it's important?

By using local produce whether that's buying fruits and vegetables form the local farmers market or Okiwi Bay Market Gardens or buying small goods from The Sausage Press Deli.

You're supporting our local farmers and our small businesses. This is important as it brings our community together. It also creates a bond between the farm and your plate.

Traceability

When you use local suppliers not only are you buying amazing produce, your also buying something called traceability. It's being able to know exactly where your food comes from.

Where the animal was grazed, which greenhouse your tomatoes came from, who grew them. As someone who is just starting out in the industry I want to be able to create menus that showcase my local farmers and be able to share with my customers exactly where the food they are eating was sourced.

Support Local! And find a market near you... you can find all of our Farmers Markets right here on the Eat New Zealand website.

Words and images by Kaitaki Collective Member Poppie McLaren - Culinary Student at NMIT & Aspiring Food Photographer.