Every Bite: Helping Mercury Bay Households Cut Food Waste

Following a successful pilot in February, Wāhi Tukurua (Mercury Bay Resource Recovery Centre Trust) is bringing back the Every Bite programme this May - giving even more people the chance to take part in this fun and practical food-saving initiative.

“Most of us don’t realise how much food we throw away, how much this is costing us or how it affects the environment. While many people agree that wasting food isn’t right, our busy lives make it hard to notice the waste we create and to change our habits”. Says Megan Edmeades - Every Bite Co-ordinator

“Every Bite is an easy and enjoyable way to discover new ideas, learn helpful tips and tricks, and find simple ways to improve our food habits.”

The four-week programme is designed for everyday households, helping them rethink food waste, reduce their grocery bills, and make the most of their food. 

A Community Success Story

The February pilot, which involved 20 locals, received rave reviews from participants who discovered new habits that stuck:

• “That ‘Eat Me First’ shelf is a game changer!”
• “I’ve become more creative with using ripe produce and trying new recipes.”
• “My kids are now better at storing leftovers properly and actually eating them later!”
• “It was a welcoming, relaxed environment, perfect for sharing ideas.”

The programme isn’t just about learning—it’s about taking action. In February, 97% of participants reduced their avoidable food waste and planned to keep up their new habits.

Join the Movement!

The next round of Every Bite kicks off in May, and anyone in the community can sign up. The journey begins with a special launch event on April 27th at the Mercury Twin Cinemas, where participants will meet others on the same journey, share food-saving ideas, and get inspired.

Launch Event: April 27th, 6pm
Where: Mercury Bay Twin Cinemas, Lee Street, Whitianga

Programme Starts: May 2025 Ticket Link 

Food waste is a problem we can all help solve—and it starts at home. By making small changes, we can save money, help the environment, and celebrate good food.

To learn more, visit Wahi Tukurua website or the MBRRCT Facebook page, or contact Megan at - education@wahitukurua.co.nz