REKA was created in 2008 in response to Maori whanau dying prematurely from degenerative diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease and all can be linked to inadequate nutrition. Too many Maori whanau are eating processed food that is less expensive but lacks any nutritional value. Research shows that a large percentage of Maori whanau are food insecure i.e. unable to feed themselves without supermarkets and fast food outlets. In the past our tipuna ate from the land and were physically active but today many live sedentary lifestyles. These mahinga kai practices encouraged kaitiakitanga and other key Maori values such as manaaki, tautoko and awhi whereby everyone helps and supports each other. REKA has been teaching whanau in their homes, hapu on their marae, tamariki and their Teachers in their kura about how to grow kai using recycled resources. Taking the kai from the maara and fruit trees and turning them into tasty delicious kai for all the whanau is a vision towards food secure whanau, hapu and iwi. COVID 19 has highlighted the need for this kaupapa even more in all Maori communities in Aotearoa as the largest percentage of those living below the poverty line.