Dairy women unite for a cause

Around 90 women from Mid Canterbury gathered for more than a long lunch—they came for inspiration, connection, and a chance to support a great cause.

At the Dairy Women’s Network Long Lunch, hosted at Hotel Ashburton on November 18, renowned chef Margo Flanagan dished out her philosophy of "intelligently lazy".

All proceeds from the lunch were donated to Meat the Need, a charity dedicated to connecting farmers who wish to donate meat with food banks to tackle food insecurity.

Dairy Women's Network Canterbury/North Otago Hub leader Allie King said the high attendance at the event was a testament to Mid Canterbury’s generosity and community spirit.

"It's such a supportive community, and I think when people realise that an event is going to benefit their community, they put in the effort to support it."

While the event was a good opportunity for women to connect and socialise while supporting the charity, King said there are lots of other ways people can donate to Meat the Need.

"You can text FEED to 2662 to donate three dollars, people can donate through their wages, or farmers can donate beef through Silver Fern farms or milk through Fonterra. There are so many ways people can get involved in helping their community."

The atmosphere buzzed with energy as attendees relished a meal featuring salads and meat generously provided by Silver Fern Farms.

They also enjoyed a cooking demonstration by Margo Flanagan, one half of the globally celebrated Two Raw Sisters duo.

Flanagan showcased recipes from the sisters’ latest cookbook, More Salad.

Flanagan said Meat the Needs' emphasis on quality protein and community-minded ethos made their involvement in the event a "no-brainer."

"Like Meat the Need, our whole philosophy is using good quality ingredients, and Dairy Women's Network does huge work in the rural industry.

"We just wanted to support some great brands and share the message of using good quality, minimally processed ingredients."

Flanagan and sister Rosa Power were drawn to a whole-food "raw" lifestyle to manage health challenges.

Flanagan has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Endometriosis, and Power was an elite athlete who developed a training obsession and eating disorder.

"Through our recovery journeys, we both realised the power of plants and what they can do."

Despite the cookbooks focusing on plant-based meals, Flanagan was quick to clarify that the duo was not anti-meat.

"We are not vegan or vegetarian, and we are definitely not anti-meat.

"We are just showing people how they can cook plants, fruit and veggies in a different and interesting way because so many of us put them as a last-minute boring side, and plants are super cost-effective, so you dive into the cost of living as well."

By Claire Inkson