Nourished for Nil: Fighting Hunger, Fighting Waste, and Feeding the Soul

When Christina McBeth walked into a Havelock North café in 2017, she had no idea she was about to stumble on an idea that would change lives – and save the equivalent of 110 Suzuki Swifts of food from landfill every year.

Eight years later, Nourished for Nil feeds over 1,800 families weekly across Hastings and Napier, rescuing 1,100 tonnes of food annually that would otherwise go to waste.

‘It all started because I was nosy,’ Christina says. ‘I asked what they did with leftover food, and when they said they threw it out or gave it to pigs – sandwiches, salads, everything – I thought, “This is crazy.”’

She connected with Louise Saurin, a like-minded stranger she met on social media, and together they asked local cages if they’d support a food rescue service.

With the Food Act’s Good Samaritan clause on their side – and a healthy dose of optimism – they convinced businesses to give it a go.

‘We had no idea what we were doing,’ Christina says. ‘There was no business plan/ I just knew it needed to happen.’

The Early Days

Their first collection day was a cocktail of nerves and adrenaline. Would anyone show up? Would there be enough food?

But at the pop-up in Landmark Square, 78 people turned up and every one of the 224 donated bakery items was taken.

‘I still have a photo from that day. The amazing thing is, some of the people in that line still come now.’

From those beginnings in a borrowed space, Nourished for Nil gained traction quickly – powered by hustle, community support and a big dose of heart.

Early champions like Linda Calder introduced Christina to key supporters – Simon Tremain, who provided a building, and Trevor Taylor, who covered rent for three years.

‘Honestly, it’s not what you know – it’s who you know!’

Growing Bigger – and Smarter

As donations increased, so did the need for gear. First it was trolleys, then crates, then freezers. Before long, they needed a forklift.

‘The Karamu Road site felt huge at first – like we were a marble in a banana box. But we grew into it fast,’ Christina says.

Volunteers flooded in – bringing energy, skills and a can-do attitude that matched Christina’s vision.

Eventually, the team added professional muscle by hiring Zolton Tolchard, an experienced operations manager.

‘He’s lifted our game massively,’ says Christina.

From rescuing sandwiches to running full-scale logistics across seven services at five venues, Nourished for Nil now operates like a well-oiled machine – but with heart still at the centre.

The Power of People

For Christina, the mission has always been people-powered – from volunteers to donors to those coming for food. She still works unpaid, as does her right-hand man, former Wattie’s Managing Director Mike Shakespeare.

‘We’ve got over 180 volunteers now,’ she says. ‘Some are here to give back. Some just love the social side. Some are seniors, some are teenagers. And they’re all incredible.’

The food donor list has grown too – from cafes to supermarkets, growers, manufacturers and schools. Supermarkets now make up the bulk of donations, with collections from 14 stores across the region.

‘It’s not just about feeding people,’ Christina says. ‘It’s also about the environment – saving perfectly good food from landfill and reducing methoane emissions. It’s a win-win.’

A Pandemic Pivot

The COVID-19 pandemic could have derailed everything. Instead, it supercharged the organization.

Government funding helped them scale to meet surging demand – buying vehicles, expanding services and moving into a permanent facility in Queen Street, Hastings.

‘The pandemic put us on the map,’ Christina says. ‘It made us realise this wasn’t just a fun little project. It was essential.’

When Cyclone Gabrielle hit, Nourished for Nil again stepped up – acting as a crisis response centre and strengthening its role in Hawke’s Bay’s safety net.

Staying in their Lane

While many community organizations expand in all directions, Christina is clear about their focus.

‘We’re about food rescue and food security. That’s it,’ she says.

‘We’re not starting gardens or teaching cooking classes – others do that really well. We stick to what we’re good at.’

Recently, the organization incorporated the Napier and Hastings Food Banks and launched two Social Supermarkets. Instead of receiving a food parcel, people can ‘shop’ for what they need using a points system.

‘It gives people dignity and food sovereignty,’ Christina explains. ‘It’s about choice,’

Eyes on the Future

Nourished for Nil’s operating costs now sit at over $500,000 a year – kept relatively low thanks to volunteers and efficient systems.

Support from local government, trusts like Eastern & Central Community Trust and Royston Health Trust, and smart financial management keep the lights on – but the long-term is always front of mind.

‘We’ve got one year’s reserves, which is good,’ says Christina. ‘But we’ll always need support – from government, community and business.’

There are hopes to expand to Central Hawke’s Bay and possibly Wairoa – ‘but only if we can do it properly,’ Christina adds.

A Lasting Impact

Looking back, Christina’s proudest achievement is simply that they’re still here.

‘We’ve created something people associate with goodness, kindness and community,’ she says. ‘And that’s something no one can ever take away.’

How You Can Help Nourished for Nil

Volunteer

Brig your team for a hands-on morning sorting food. Group volunteer days are a great way to give back.

Run a Food Drive

Organise a workplace can drive or donate surplus food. Every item helps feed someone in need.

Donate

Every dollar keeps Nourished for Nil moving – and donations are tax deductible too.

As Christina puts it:

‘There’s still too much good food going to waste – and too many Kiwis going hungry. As long as that’s the case, we’ll keep showing up.’

(c) The Profit, June-Sept 2025