New Zealand, Sept 15, 2014—In New Zealand, every day a significant amount of quality food that could be eaten is wasted at an estimated cost of NZ$751 million per year[1]. At the same time, food security affects over 7% of New Zealanders who may go hungry, skip meals or save on ingredients due to severe difficulties in affording food[2].
To reduce food waste and help feed people in need, FedEx Express (FedEx), a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE:FDX), collaborated with OzHarvest on the ‘Cooking for A Cause’ initiative. This initiative took place in Christchurch on September 11 and Auckland on September 13 where quality excess food that would otherwise end up as landfill was collected. More than 30 FedEx volunteers used this food to prepare meals to be distributed to local charities to help the needy. At the Christchurch event, FedEx volunteers worked alongside Jonny Schwass, an award-winning restaurateur and celebrity chef, to prepare the meals.
Both of these activities are part of the seventh FedEx Cares Week, a worldwide initiative where FedEx employees in 12 Asia Pacific markets join their colleagues around the world to participate in community projects.
“At FedEx, we are committed to giving back to the New Zealand communities where our team members and customers live and work. We are proud to see each year more of our employees donating their time in our FedEx Cares Week activities and taking part to make a positive difference.” said Kim Garner, managing director, FedEx Express, Australasia. “As a global transportation company, FedEx doesn’t just want to connect the world – we want to do it responsibly and resourcefully. By using excess food to provide meals for the needy, we are proud that our efforts will make a positive contribution to the environmental and social needs of the local communities.”
“As a FedEx employee and member of the Christchurch community, I was proud to help someone who may be experiencing difficult times. I think that everyone has a part to play in giving back in any way they can, and I appreciate being part of a company that makes a positive difference while at the same time having an enjoyable experience.” said FedEx employee Alan Rapley.
Across the region, FedEx Cares Week activities will have a strong community and sustainability focus. Around 1,000 FedEx volunteers in Asia-Pacific are expected to take part in 36 community activities. This is part of a global FedEx initiative involving employees all around the world. This year’s projects include preparing and distributing meals for the needy, providing care for disadvantaged children and the elderly, and promoting environmentally responsible behavior.
For more information about FedEx Cares Week and FedEx commitment to volunteerism and the Asia Pacific communities it serves, please visit facebook.com/FedExAPAC or news.van.fedex.com/int/asia-pacific.
[1]The Australia Institute, 2009 http://www.wasteminz.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/Report-on-Food-Waste-in-NZ-2013-Final-1.1.pdf p10
[2]A Focus on Nutrition: Key Findings of the 2008/09 New Zealand Adult Nutrition Survey http://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/publications/a-focus-on-nutrition-v2.pdf p263