As more Kiwis take action to tackle New Zealand’s food loss crisis, Wonky Box has launched a nationwide rural delivery service.
Responding to the surging demand from rural Kiwis eager to rescue fresh produce and pantry essentials that might otherwise go to waste, the new Wonky Box rural delivery offering will be available starting this month.
Wonky Box’s waiting list has been oversubscribed, and the highest demand has come from key produce-growing regions, including Central Otago, Canterbury, and the surrounding areas of Tauranga.
“Over the past year, we’ve seen a significant rise in demand from rural Kiwis wanting the convenience of our subscription-based delivery service. We’re thrilled to bring Wonky Box to rural communities across New Zealand, allowing even more New Zealanders to join us in tackling the country’s food loss crisis,” said Katie Jackson, co-founder of Wonky Box.
“This growing appetite for produce deemed too wonky, the wrong size or colour, or surplus to supermarket requirements reflects a broader shift in consumer shopping habits. More Kiwis, regardless of where they live, are prioritising sustainability and food waste reduction over price and appearance.”
Since launching in 2021, Wonky Box has saved 4,330,862kg of fresh, edible produce from being wasted. Globally, an estimated one-third of all food produced is lost or wasted each year between farm and fork.
“Growing up in Whiteman’s Valley, a rural area just outside Wellington, I remember travelling at least 15 to 20 minutes to access fresh produce. We’re thrilled to bring the convenience of Wonky Box to rural communities like Whiteman’s Valley – making it easier for Kiwis across the country to receive locally grown produce, as well as Wonky Pantry staples,” said Angus Simms, co-founder of Wonky Box.
“Beyond convenience, rural New Zealanders can take pride in knowing they’re playing a key role in tackling food waste while supporting local growers – both in their communities and beyond, and strengthening the rural economy by ensuring farmers receive a fair price for produce that might otherwise go to waste.”
From Northland to Southland, rural households along RD1 can now enjoy Wonky Box and Wonky Pantry delivered directly to their door, rescuing thousands more kilograms of fresh fruit, vegetables, and wider pantry staples that might otherwise be wasted.
