KiwiHarvest

KiwiHarvest is a national food rescue organisation that collects food from supermarkets, catering companies and food stores, delivering this to food banks and social service organisations to support vulnerable people. It is national organisation set up 7 years ago, and has rescued 3.2 million kg of food. It has operations in Dunedin, Queenstown, Auckland and Hastings.

Our Club launched a branch on the North Shore in May 2017 run by local Rotarians as volunteers. Since May 2017, it has rescued 145,000kg of food.  It took 18 months to prove the business, secure a refrigerated van funded by five North Shore clubs, find recipients (there are now 30) and establish relationships with suppliers. 25 volunteers deliver food three days a week, 75,000kgs equivalent to 215,000 meals last year, around 5000kg/month.  It is a challenge to match the supply with demand each day so that the van returns home empty each trip, important for perishable foods!

Having proved the model, it is now independent from Rotary and run by a team of NS volunteers. It is financially self sufficient and continues to grow. Our volunteers are motivated by their hands on contribution to the community, the amazing responses from both those giving and receiving food and the fellowship with the fellow volunteers working together in the van each day. Yes it is a great success story!