A NEW food initiative, REKO, will be launched in Heathcote on 23 November, at Pizzeria Montana, on High Street.<\/p>\n
The concept involves the delivery of foods and produce to local people without the need for a middleman.<\/p>\n
\u201cREKO was created in Finland by a beef producer who wanted an easy way to sell his product directly to consumers in fair exchange,\u201d said administrator Meggs Hannes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe name REKO is pronounced \u2018ra-ko\u2019 is an acronym for the Finnish words rej<\/em>\u04d3l konsumtion<\/em> meaning responsible consumption.<\/p>\n \u201cOur host for REKO Heathcote is Andrew Papas, founder and pizza maker at Pizzeria Montana, and creator of many fine foods, including balsamic vinegar, gelati, dips and condiments.\u201d<\/p>\n Ms Hannes and Mr Papas, friends through their participation in the Lancefield & District Farmers\u2019 Market, have been planning the project for the past two years.<\/p>\n \u201cWe both share a love of good food and enjoy working with local producers to benefit as a collective,\u201d said Ms Hannes.<\/p>\n \u201cSo far, we have fresh produce, olive products, meats, seedlings, dog treats and more. The response has been great given the word only went out a few days ago.\u201d<\/p>\n Mr Papas said he believes the project is an exciting opportunity for local growers.<\/p>\n \u201cThere will be less kilometres, less carbon emissions, less packaging and labour, and a bigger profit margin,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd being direct to the public, products will arrive fresher.<\/p>\n \u201cConsumers will be able to order online via Facebook, then pick up once a week at Pizzeria Montana. We will have trestle tables set up between 5pm and 7pm.\u201d<\/p>\n