A new group in Hawke's Bay hopes it can reduce the excessive amount of food wastage from local eateries.

'Nourished for Nil' will be launching next month in Hastings.

The not-for-profit organisation will take excess food from cafes and bakeries in Hastings and Havelock North, and give it to the needy.

So far they have 25 local businesses signed up.

Spokeswoman Christina McBeth said they don't care who gets the food - so long as it's not thrown out.

"Hawke's Bay pigs are often feed better than some of the Hawke's Bay children."

Ms McBeth said the response from local businesses has been mind-blowing.

"We were quite amazed at the warm reception we received and the willingness of people to actually contribute."

She said they're also in talks with Countdown who support similar groups in Wellington and Palmerston North.

The group will be launched on February 14th.