Envirohub Marlborough makes ‘Every Bite’ count

AMY RUSS

With the cost of living continuing to bite, a community initiative in Marlborough is encouraging locals to rethink the way they shop, cook and eat, with the added benefit of saving money along the way.

May is Food Appreciation Month, and Envirohub Marlborough is marking the occasion with its latest Every Bite event, Tasty Food Hacks – a practical four-week series designed to help households reduce food waste and make the most of what they already have.

Facilitator Siobain Finlow-Bates says the programme is all about simple, achievable changes that can have a real impact at home.

“People often don’t realise how much food, and money, ends up in the bin each week,” Siobain noted. “Every Bite is about giving people the tools and confidence to use what they have, waste less, and still enjoy good, nourishing meals.”

The programme begins with in-person sessions, kicking off in Picton on 3 May, followed by a Blenheim workshop on 5 May. Each session is designed to be hands-on, welcoming and accessible, bringing together people from all walks of life.

“It’s a really supportive environment where people can share ideas, ask questions and learn from each other,” Siobain said. “There’s no judgement, and no pressure.
“Whether you’re cooking for a family, flatting, or just looking to cut back on grocery bills, there’s something here for everyone.”

Small, simple shifts
Workshops focus on practical skills that can be put into action immediately, from smarter meal planning and proper food storage to creative ways to reinvent leftovers that might otherwise go to waste.

“It’s not about being perfect,” Siobain stressed, “it’s about making small shifts that fit into your everyday life. Even a few simple changes can make a noticeable difference to your weekly shop.”

Participants will also receive take-home resources, recipes and ongoing tips to support them throughout the four-week programme, helping to build lasting habits beyond the initial sessions.

The initiative is particularly timely, as many households look for ways to stretch their grocery budgets without compromising on quality or nutrition.

“We know people are feeling the pressure right now,” she noted. “If we can help people save money while also reducing waste, that’s a win for households and for the environment.”

Tickets for the sessions are priced at $10, with all proceeds going towards the Waitohi Picton Community Garden – a cause that Siobain says closely aligns with the programme’s values. “It’s about keeping resources local and supporting initiatives that bring people together around food.”

At a Glance
Every Bite: Tasty Food Hacks
Picton: 3 May, 3pm, Queen Charlotte College
Blenheim: 5 May, 6 pm, Marlborough Technology Centre
Booking a space: envirohub.co.nz/event