Northland Women's Club is set to open the region's first Everybody Eats destination with The Gables Osteria & Enoteca.
A powerful new community initiative is coming to the North, as the Northland Women’s Club announces the launch of Everybody Eats in Northland with a Dinner Party on Tuesday, 26 May, in partnership with The Gables Osteria & Enoteca.
Everybody Eats is an innovative charitable dining concept transforming rescued food into high-quality, three-course meals, served on a pay-what-you-can basis. The initiative is designed to address three key challenges facing communities across New Zealand, food waste, food insecurity and social isolation by creating a welcoming space where everyone can come together and share a meal, regardless of their circumstances.
Already operating successfully in several locations around New Zealand, this marks the first time Everybody Eats will be introduced in Northland, bringing a meaningful and inclusive dining experience to the region. There are no fixed prices, guests are invited to contribute what they can, and those who are able are encouraged to pay it forward, helping to subsidise meals for others in the community.
The Northland Women’s Club, the driving force behind the Northland initiative, was founded in the wake of COVID-19 when a group of 12 women came together for a simple lunch, united by a shared desire to support their local community. What began as a small gathering has since grown into a network of more than 330 members, collectively raising over NZD 200,000 for Northland-based charities, with a strong commitment to ensuring funds stay within the region.
At the heart of Everybody Eats is founder Nick Loosley, whose vision was sparked after witnessing the scale of food waste during Masters studies in the UK. Inspired by food rescue initiatives overseas, he returned to New Zealand determined to create a model that could both reduce waste and bring people together through hospitality. His philosophy is simple, that food has the power to connect people, restore dignity and strengthen communities.
Loosely is also the owner of The Gables Osteria & Enoteca in Russell, making this Northland launch particularly meaningful as it brings his journey full circle, combining his passion for hospitality with a commitment to community impact in the region.
"There are a huge number of people in the Far North who simply can't afford to go out for a meal with their family. They've never had the opportunity to eat with us. My family has owned The Gables for nearly 50 years, so to be able to invite the whole community feels really special. We're also really excited to have two celebrated chefs, Kia Kanuta and Jono Thevenard, join us from Auckland to collaborate with our team for the occasion," he said.
A spokesperson for the Northland Women’s Club said this is exactly the kind of initiative it stands behind.
“It’s about community, connection and creating real impact in a way that is inclusive and sustainable. Bringing Everybody Eats to Northland is something we are incredibly proud to be part of.”
The launch event at The Gables Osteria & Enoteca in May will bring together members, supporters and the wider community for an evening that not only showcases the concept but also celebrates the power of collective giving. With its focus on dignity, sustainability and connection, Everybody Eats offers more than just a meal, it offers a sense of belonging.
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