Michelle's big surprise at nomination

RECOGNITION: Michelle Roseingrave who runs and volunteers for Bellyful Carterton has been put forward for a Pride of New Zealand Award.PHOTO/FILE

If you are a new mum, busy discovering the perils and delights of looking after a baby, Michelle Roseingrave can take some of the load off for you.

Mrs Roseingrave was instrumental in setting up a Carterton branch of Bellyful three years ago and has now been nominated for a Pride of New Zealand Award in the Community Spirit category for continuing to run the organisation.

Bellyful volunteers cook and deliver meals for new mothers who are busy dealing with the pressures of motherhood and people who are struggling to get food on the table.

"Having benefited greatly from a lot of family support each time one of my babies were born I love the idea of others feeling supported in the same way and this is what Bellyful is about," Mrs Roseingrave said.

The Carterton organisation has about 10 volunteers who meet monthly to cook up meals, enough for about 50 people at a time.

They have the use of the Salvation Army's commercial kitchen and cook up "comfort food" for the masses.

Mrs Roseingrave said the organisation is entirely self-funded so, in between cooking meals and delivering them, volunteers also have to fundraise to keep it all going.

She said she enjoys helping people "from all walks of life" which is mainly new mothers but also includes grandmothers, single women and struggling families.

"We are there for everybody. It's good to be part of a supportive community. People don't always have family to rely on because we are quite a transient society."

Bellyful delivers many meals to rural areas such as Ponatahi and Gladstone, which Mrs Roseingrave particularly enjoys doing.

"It can be isolated and lonely for people out there - it's good for them to see a friendly face to say 'hello'."

On receiving the Pride of New Zealand nomination Mrs Roseingrave said "I'm surprised and honoured, but I can't take all the credit. I only steer the ship. I couldn't do it without the volunteers - they are always there and willing."

Go to www.bellyful.co.nz for information on how to become a volunteer.