OzHarvest is Australia’s leading food rescue organization, founded in 2004 by Ronni Kahn AO. Based in Sydney, the organization was established to tackle two major challenges—food waste and food insecurity. OzHarvest collects quality excess food from commercial outlets and delivers it directly to more than 1,800 charities nationwide, providing meals to vulnerable people while reducing landfill waste.
With a mission to “Nourish our Country,” OzHarvest has grown into a national movement, transforming surplus food into millions of meals and driving systemic change in food education, sustainability, and social impact.
Core Activities and Programs
OzHarvest operates across four strategic pillars:
- Food Rescue: Daily collection of excess food from supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, events, and food producers.
- Education: Programs like NEST (Nutrition Education Skills Training) and FEAST (Food Education and Sustainability Training) deliver practical skills in cooking, nutrition, and food sustainability to communities and schools.
- Advocacy: Campaigns and partnerships aimed at changing behavior, reducing food waste, and influencing public policy, including active lobbying for food waste reduction at national levels.
- Innovation and Sustainability: Programs such as OzHarvest Market (Australia’s first free supermarket) and the mobile Refettorio kitchen offer innovative ways to feed those in need.
Impact and Reach
- In FY2023, OzHarvest rescued over 13,000 tonnes of food, equivalent to approximately 38 million meals.
- Since inception, the organization has delivered more than 250 million meals and saved over 80,000 tonnes of food from landfill.
- Operates in major cities and regional hubs including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Gold Coast, and Newcastle.
- Works with over 3,000 food donors and 1,800 recipient charities.
Financial Overview
As per the 2022-2023 Annual Report:
- Revenue: AUD 36.5 million, sourced from government grants, corporate sponsorships, donations, and social enterprises.
- Expenses: AUD 34.9 million, with 82% directed towards program delivery.
- Social Return on Investment (SROI): Every AUD 1 donated to OzHarvest results in over AUD 7.50 in social value, based on independent evaluation.
Education and Behavioural Change
- NEST Program: Delivered to over 15,000 individuals, promoting nutrition knowledge and cooking confidence.
- FEAST Program: Implemented in 1,000+ primary schools, engaging over 100,000 students with STEM-aligned curriculum around sustainability and food waste.
- Use It Up Campaign: National initiative encouraging households to reduce waste through practical tools and awareness.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Food waste in Australia contributes to approximately 8% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. OzHarvest’s rescue efforts not only feed people in need but also have a direct impact on environmental sustainability:
- Over 220,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions avoided since inception.
- Partnerships with companies like Woolworths, Goodman Fielder, and Harris Farm promote circular food systems.
Partnerships and Collaborations
OzHarvest partners with:
- Government Bodies: Funding support from local and federal levels, including the Department of Social Services.
- Corporate Sponsors: Woolworths, BP, Goodman Foundation, nib Foundation, and others provide funding, logistics, and food supply.
- Educational Institutions: Collaboration with schools and universities for research, training, and program implementation.
Volunteer Network and Community Engagement
- Supported by over 3,000 active volunteers, contributing to food packing, deliveries, events, and community outreach.
- Annual initiatives like the CEO CookOff® raise millions to support OzHarvest’s mission while engaging leaders in hands-on charity work.
Recognition and Awards
- Founder Ronni Kahn AO named Australian Local Hero in the 2010 Australia Day Honours.
- Recipient of the UN Environment Programme Champions of the Earth Award.
- Winner of the Telstra Business Award for Social Responsibility.
OzHarvest continues to lead Australia’s fight against food waste and hunger, combining innovation, education, and large-scale impact to build a more sustainable and equitable food future.
