Elmgrove School has started a new project to cut down on food waste and give back to the community.
The school’s new community pantry has been open by the school entrance in Argyle St for about a week.
School pupil and ambassador Leah Boyce (10) said the school wanted to open the pantry as a way to share food, like fruit and vegetables, that would otherwise go to waste.
Pupils would share the produce grown in the school garden and leftover bread so it could go to people who needed it, she said.
Members of the community were welcome to add their own food or take what they needed.
‘‘Anyone can use the [pantry].’’
So far, baking, fresh vegetables, eggs and canned food had occupied the shelves.
Deputy principal Jenny Ryalls said the materials for the pantry were given to the school by Mitre 10 and the pantry was built by the Taieri Blokes Shed.
It had been open for only a week and Mrs Ryalls said the pantry was already proving to be popular.
Food that was put in the pantry on Friday was gone by Monday, she said.
‘‘A lot has gone out and a lot has been replaced. It’s such a nice community thing.’’
JESSICA.WILSON @thestar.co.nz