More Than Food: How KiwiHarvest Empowers Charities to Change Lives Across New Zealand
When we talk about food rescue, it’s easy to picture boxes of fresh produce, bread, and pantry staples being delivered to people in need, but at KiwiHarvest, our impact extends far beyond the plate. Every kilogram of food we rescue not only prevents waste, it also empowers over 235 charitable organisations across New Zealand to continue their life-changing work in housing, education, mental health, youth support, and more.
We’re not just a food charity. We’re the charity that supports other charities, ensuring they can focus on what they do best- helping people transform their lives.
A Hand Up, Not a Handout
KiwiHarvest rescues quality surplus food from supermarkets, growers, distributors, and food producers and redistributes this good food to charities and community organisations nationwide. By providing reliable food support, we help reduce financial pressure for these groups so they can redirect resources into wrap-around services like:
• Housing and social support
• Mental health and addiction recovery
• Education and youth development
• Employment, budgeting, and financial mentoring
• Advocacy and counselling
• Health and wellbeing programmes
This approach offers a hand up, not a handout, supporting long-term change and dignity for every person who receives food through our network.
Some Recent Examples Of The Ripple Effect Of Rescued Food
Feeding Hope and Opportunity: Island Child Charitable Trust, Auckland
At Island Child Charitable Trust, transitional housing and family support go hand-in-hand with nourishment and care. With KiwiHarvest’s help, the Trust provides 85 meals a day to families in need, amounting to more than 25,000kg of rescued food last year, valued at over $174,000.
This vital support allows Island Child to redirect funds into education, housing, nutrition, and life-skills programmes, amplifying the impact on whānau.
“Your commitment to reducing food waste while addressing food insecurity has had a meaningful impact on our organization, and on the lives of the individuals and families we support.” Island Child Charitable Trust.
This partnership shows how rescued food can build stronger, more compassionate communities.
Meeting Crisis with Compassion: NZ Police Community Youth Aid, Dunedin
In July, the NZ Police Community Youth Aid team in South Dunedin discovered a family of five struggling in silence, bare cupboards, no fresh food, and a deep sense of despair. KiwiHarvest responded immediately, delivering 80 kilograms of fresh, nourishing kai.
For the family, it meant more than just food. It was a reminder that someone cared. For the Police team, it allowed them to focus on long-term support, rather than emergency food relief.
“This kind of support doesn’t just fill a fridge, it restores dignity, rebuilds trust, and helps families move forward.”
Supporting Young Mums Toward Brighter Futures: Murihiku Young Parents Centre, Invercargill
At Murihiku Young Parents Centre, many young mums are raising tamariki on their own while continuing education and parenting programmes. KiwiHarvest’s regular food deliveries mean every item is used, nothing goes to waste.
“It really helps me with my budget as a solo mum, and my son is trying lots of new healthy foods. It’s made a huge difference for us.”
With food support taken care of, the Centre can dedicate more time and funding to education, wellbeing, and connection, helping young families build brighter futures.
Empowering Financial Freedom: Kootuitui ki Papakura (Budget Services)
When Mere (name changed) came to Kootuitui ki Papakura, she was overwhelmed by debt and rising living costs. Her mentor worked with KiwiHarvest to provide weekly kai, easing grocery expenses and freeing up money for debt repayment.
Within a month, she cleared a long-standing bill and regained control of her finances.
“The food support gave me the breathing room I needed to get back on track.”
This story captures the heart of KiwiHarvest’s mission, supporting wrap-around services that create lasting independence, not dependency.
Sustaining Safety and Dignity: Asylum Seekers Support Trust, Auckland
For asylum seekers awaiting refugee status, the Asylum Seekers Support Trust (ASST) provides essential care to some of New Zealand’s most vulnerable people, often those with no income or access to basic resources.
Between April 2024 and March 2025, KiwiHarvest supplied 31,590 kg of food, helping ASST deliver nearly 7,000 food boxes to over 1,600 clients.
“Security of our food programme is vital. Many similar programmes have closed due to limited resources, but thanks to KiwiHarvest, we can continue meeting the growing need.”
Rescued food helps sustain dignity, stability, and hope for families beginning a new life in Aotearoa.
Supporting the Charities That Support New Zealand
Every kilogram of rescued food has a ripple effect, reaching far beyond one meal or one family. It strengthens entire communities. KiwiHarvest’s food support allows charities to:
✅ Provide consistent, healthy meals for clients
✅ Reinvest limited funds into critical services
✅ Reduce stress on staff and volunteers
✅ Deliver wrap-around support for long-term change
By providing food support, we empower organisations to do the transformational work that changes lives. The food support provided to families, not only brings immediate relief, but also helps them regain control of their household budget, freeing up resources for rent and utilities, paying down debt, the cost of childcare, and education, transport, healthcare, and medication.
Together, We Create Change
Every $5 donated to KiwiHarvest helps provide a family of 4 in need, 3 meals for 1 day, and supports hundreds of charities providing wrap-around services to their clients.
When you support KiwiHarvest, you are also supporting the 235 charitable organisations we work with.
Join us in creating a stronger, more compassionate Aotearoa.