The team at OzHarvest Central Coast and Lake Macquarie saved more than 11 tonnes of food from going to landfill over the Christmas period, using it instead to put great meals on the tables of hundreds of families.
OzHarvest launched a second food rescue vehicle on the Coast in November, through a grant of $90,000 from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, just in time for the non-profit organisation’s busiest time of year.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Chair Jennifer Leslie said the efforts of OzHarvest’s team of volunteers made a massive difference to thousands of people during the holiday period.
“The new vehicle has only done 12 shifts but has already rescued and donated 11,370 kilograms of food, which is such a help and a tremendous show of holiday spirit,” she said.
“This food made a direct and tangible difference and equates to 22,740 meals, helping to ensure a more fulfilling, nutritious Christmas (for many).
“I was privileged to spend an afternoon with OzHarvest in December and experienced first-hand what a difference their work makes, both in terms of the people they help feed and the food rescued from ending up in landfill.”
OzHarvest’s Newcastle and Central Coast Manager Richard Stark said the second van was already making a difference.
“With people in our community doing it tough this Christmas, the second vehicle helped us cover so much more ground and get that rescued food to more families,” he said.
It has been a huge year for OzHarvest across Australia, with more than 11 million kilograms of food rescued, helping to serve over 30 million meals.
Source: Media release, Jan 4, 2023, OzHarvest Central Coast