The portaloo-turned-art-piece by Jacob Yikes is touring Foodstuffs stores from now until December 22nd to raise awareness for gut health. The portaloo is part of the New Zealand Gut Foundations campaign, Review Your Poo, and will visit more than 50 New World, PAK’nSAVE and Four Square stores in the South Island.
New Zealand has one of the world's highest rates of bowel cancer, with nine Kiwis diagnosed daily. Bowel cancer is treatable if detected early, which is why this conversation is so important.
“Research shows that improving gut health impacts our well-being particularly during times of stress. Good gut health can be the key to a happy life and knowing more about what a normal bowel movement can be lifesaving,” said Margaret Fitzgerald, The Gut Foundation, General Manager.
“With around 70,000 people in New Zealand living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and approximately one in 100 New Zealanders affected by Coeliac Disease, understanding what is normal can help people identify any changes and seek early medical treatment if needed.”
Foodstuffs (South Island) Community Trust has been a proud supporter of the Gut Foundation since 2020, and it is committed to helping improve gut health through education campaigns, health hubs and research projects.
“This is such an important conversation and one we are pleased to get behind. Across the South Island, our owner-operators want their valued customers to get to know their poo a little better. Together, our goal is to help normalise the poo chat because knowing your normal is a major step towards improved gut health,” said Justin Smith, Chairperson of the Foodstuffs (South Island) Trust.
“After all, if you know your normal, you can quickly identify changes that could help save your life. We encourage anyone that sees the portaloo to stop have a chat and take the information on offer.”
