OzHarvest was established in November 2004 and has become the much needed link between excess food in the community and those in need.

OzHarvest rescues food daily by collecting high quality perishable food that would otherwise be thrown away by corporate offices, delis, restaurants and caterers. They deliver it to 148 charities which provide meals for Sydney, Canberra, Newcastle, Adelaide and Brisbane's homeless and vulnerable. OzHarvest Canberra likewise supports 28 charities. This service is provided absolutely free to both food donor and recipient.  

Australia wide OzHarvest delivers 333,000 meals per month with a fleet of 12 vans.

The charities receiving meals from OzHarvest benefit by spending less of their funds originally budgeted for food. Savings such as these enable the charities to reallocate funds to other vital human service programs such as education and rehabilitation.

"The residents at the refuge look forward to OzHarvest each week and enjoy the wonderful food provided. This donation provides the women with the opportunity to taste and try new and varied food which they may not have been able to experience before." Alex Sofopoulos, E's Women's Refuge.

OzHarvest was instrumental in having the Civil Liabilities Amendment (Food Donations) Act implemented in NSW, ACT, SA and QLD which protects food donors from civil liability. This enables food to be donated without fear of liability.

OzHarvest supports the environment daily. On average, every kilogram of food that OzHarvest rescues will avoid 2 kg of greenhouse (kg CO2-eq) emissions, and avoid the consumption of 143 litres of water.

To donate to OzHarvest click here.

For more information about OzHarvest please visit www.ozharvest.org