Food distribution charity Good Neighbour have taken out the Sustainable Future category at the TECT Community Awards – and the team of 12 staff and 500 volunteers are stoked.

'It's so nice to receive this award after what was a superhuman effort from our team during the lockdown,” says Good Neighbour marketing coordinator Angela Rogers.

'We could only have two volunteers on a day when we would usually have 10, while the demand for our kitchen and food rescue services was at an all-time high.

'We couldn't be happier with our achievement.”

TECT say Good Neighbour's positive contribution to the environment is what earned them the top spot in the Sustainable Future category.

The organisation saves 462 tonnes of food from being thrown out every year and redistributes it to 50 charities across the Bay of Plenty that feed people in need.

As well as rescuing food, Good Neighbour help people get work experience through their kitchen, run a community garden, and assist with backyard projects throughout the community.

The charity is well known for its work. Whether distributing rescued food to local community groups, delivering firewood to those in need, carrying out backyard projects and building maintenance, or cultivating community gardens for people to grow their own food, they work to support those facing some of life's toughest times with a friendly neighbourly hand.

It was their environmental impact that stood out to the judges because it was 462 tonnes of food that is diverted from landfills each year.

Good Neighbour community impact manager Cam Hill says the food is not only redistributed.

'Some is also repurposed into our kitchen arm; making meals for the community, catering, and mentoring students by teaching culinary skills and confidence, so they are able to continue their education or move on into further employment opportunities for a brighter future.”

The other finalists recognised in the Sustainable Future category included Bay Conservation Alliance, Maketu Ongatoro Wetland Society, Western Bay Wildlife Trust, and YSAR Tauranga Trust.