Growing up in Papakura Auckland, Amy has been a foodie for as long as she can remember. Her passion for the hospitality industry grew during her university studies, where she worked in cafes and restaurants to support herself. Amy studied environmental conservation and worked with Sustainable Coastlines where she did many beach clean ups, which proved eye-opening as she realised the impact of plastic pollution on our environment and how much was related to the food industry.

Following her studies, Amy travelled in the Pacific Islands volunteering as a chef.  Passionate about sustainability and food she was determined to use locally grown ingredients and minimise her plastic use, and from this the idea for The Sustainable Food Co was born. 

The Sustainable Food Co offers plant-based, zero waste catering and private chef experiences and Amy works closely with all her suppliers to eliminate packaging from farm to fork. She’s focused on a plant-based menu as she wants to inspire and educate people on the variety of food and the environmental impact of eating plant-based.

Amy joined the Kitchen Project to gain support, advice, and inspiration around starting her own food business. “It’s been more helpful and encouraging than I ever could have imagined. Everyone involved is really passionate about food and about helping us grow our businesses. It has been great having encouragement from others who are also starting their own food businesses, as sometimes it can feel like you are all on your own. I feel extra uplifted after each session.”

In the future, Amy hopes to positively influence the food sustainability movement, and to encourage and enable people to be more plant-based and zero-waste in their own kitchens. More information on her catering and chef experiences are available on her website www.thesustainablefoodco.co.nz, Amy also sells her bliss balls and smashed avo on toast at the weekly Oratia based Shed Collective market on Saturdays, and the Grey Lynn Farmers Market on Sundays.  Follow The Sustainable Food Co on Facebook and Instagram.