Have you ever stopped to think about the staggering amount of food waste in Aotearoa? For instance, did you know that every year, Kiwis waste 20 million loaves of bread? This is a sobering statistic that highlights the urgent need for action. Fortunately, organisations like KiwiHarvest are working tirelessly to rescue food that would otherwise go to waste and distribute it to those in need.

As a sponsor of KiwiHarvest through our Good Impressions initiative, we at Go Media are proud to support their mission and mahi. In this blog, we will delve into KiwiHarvest's recent achievements, the consequences of food waste, their role in supporting local communities after recent flooding and cyclones, and provide tips for reducing food waste in Aotearoa.

KiwiHarvest is a game-changer, not just another charity organisation. The non-profit organisation's recent achievements have made waves in Aotearoa and beyond. For instance, KiwiHarvest celebrated its 10th anniversary last year, a significant milestone for any organisation.

What started as a small operation in 2012, rescuing food from local food businesses in Dunedin and delivering it to recipient agencies out of the back of a car, has grown to become New Zealand's largest food rescue social venture, with five branches across the country.

Food waste is a major problem worldwide, with up to 30% of all food being wasted, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. It is estimated that 60% of this wasted food is still edible. When food ends up in landfill, it produces methane, which is 25 times more harmful than carbon dioxide, making it an environmental menace.

If food waste were a country, it would be the third-largest GHG emitter after the US and China.

In New Zealand, 103,000 tonnes of food are wasted at a commercial level, and households waste three shopping trolleys worth of food every year. At the same time, 1 in 5 children in New Zealand live in food-insecure households. KiwiHarvest was set up to address both of these major issues.

Working with food businesses, KiwiHarvest rescues any good, nutritious food that is unable to be sold for whatever reason. No business wants to see their good product go to waste, but unfortunately, mistakes happen, or export orders are cancelled, and the product ends up with no home. When businesses donate their good food, they get the peace of mind of knowing that their product is being used for its intended purpose – to nourish hungry bellies.

KiwiHarvest played a crucial role in supporting local communities in the North Island during recent flooding and cyclone events. These events both increased the need in the community for food support and reduced the supply with so many farms devastated. Thanks to the support of their sponsors and community, KiwiHarvest was able to purchase staple produce to help top up food supplies and ensure recipients were getting a variety of nutritious food support.

KiwiHarvest CEO, Angela Calver, even developed a new protocol for food rescues during extreme weather events, which can now be used by food rescues across the country (check it out here).

As extreme weather events become more frequent, KiwiHarvest plans to grow and meet the increasing need for food and support in affected communities. The organisation's efforts to rescue food from going to landfill also contribute to slowing down the devastating effects of climate change.

1. Take an audit of what’s in your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Use the FIFO method – First in First Out. Only buy what you need. Make a real effort to use up your leftovers or just cook less overall.
   
2. If you’re able to, start composting and look at alternative ways to use your food scraps – like making stock.
   
3. Buy the wonky fruit and veges. As consumers, our decisions are powerful and ultimately dictate what’s put on the supermarket shelves. Countdowns ‘Odd Bunch’ is a great place to start and more affordable too!
   
4. Opt. for frozen veg which is always picked at just the right time, providing nutrient-dense vegetables that you don’t have to worry about going bad.
   
5. Any business with surplus food – we can help you get it to people who really need it! 
6. You could hold a food drive in your workplace for a week and ask staff/ friends and family to donate long-life products for KiwiHarvest recipients. Donations of staple items like canned goods, dried pastas, rice etc. are always hugely appreciated.

As a non-profit organisation, KiwiHarvest relies on the generosity of volunteers and donors to carry out its advocacy work and distribute food to communities in need.

A donation of $15 can help KiwiHarvest deliver the equivalent of 45 meals to organisations that serve those who are most vulnerable. If you'd like to contribute, please consider donating through their website at Donate — KiwiHarvest.

In addition, KiwiHarvest offers volunteer opportunities at all of its branches. By giving your time and support, you can help KiwiHarvest in its mission to reduce food waste and address food insecurity in New Zealand.

Go Media looks forward to continuing our support throughout 2023, and can’t wait to see what KiwiHarvest achieves this year.