What we do

Waiwaste Food Rescue is a not-for-profit organisation that collects perfectly good surplus food from local businesses and passes it on to food banks and local community groups that make sure everyone in our community has something to eat.

This food might be the sandwiches or fresh baked goods from a café that were made in the morning, but not sold that day. It could be fruits and vegetables that are less appealing to consumers because of their irregular shape or droopy leaves, it may even be fresh meat from the local supermarket that needs to be cooked and served that evening. We’re also the New Zealand Food Network Hub for the Wairarapa and receive bulk rescued goods from their national logistics centres.

This service is commonly known as ‘food rescue’ and it happens all over the country. It’s good for the community and it’s good for the environment – food waste across the world accounts for roughly eight percent of total greenhouse has emissions!

Businesses that donate their surplus food are making an immediate and impactful difference in our community. They become part of our hardworking chain of organisations that ensure everyone in our community always has access to good food. By redirecting food items that are perfectly delicious to eat, but no longer able to be sold, we’re able to collectively ensure struggling families have food on their table.

We operate seven days a week, collecting and delivering donated food throughout the region – you’ve likely seen us out and about in one of our dedicated Waiwaste Food Rescue electric vans. We distribute rescued food on a daily basis to Masterton Foodbank and the Community Kitchen, plus a number of other community organisations who work with people experiencing food poverty in the Wairarapa.

As the saying goes, many hands make light work! If you’re interested in volunteering your time to help us rescue, sort and deliver food items please contact us.

Waiwaste Food Rescue is a member of Aotearoa Food Rescue Alliance (AFRA).