WHAT WE DO…

Established in January 2024, Food Rescue Aoraki (FRA) emerged from the foundation laid by the former FoodbankAotearoa.
Our mission is to combat hunger and food waste in the Mid-South Canterbury region by rescuing surplus food that otherwise would have gone to landfill and redistributing to those in need.

  • FOOD COLLECTION & DISTRIBUTION
    At FRA, we rescue food from various sources, including food producers, supermarkets, distributors, and greengrocers. Our dedicated efforts ensure that perfectly good food, which might otherwise go to waste, reaches individuals and families in our community.
  • IMPACTING OUR COMMUNITY

    Every week, FRA donates an average of 3 tonnes of FREE food, benefiting 27 community groups and 18 kindergartens and early childhood centres throughout Mid-South Canterbury. Our goal is to support and strengthen our community by providing essential nourishment to those who need it most.

  • NOT-FOR-PROFIT & VOLUNTEER DRIVEN

    As a non-profit organization, FRA is deeply committed to our cause. We rely heavily on the dedication and hard work of our volunteers and part-time paid staff. Additionally, sponsorships, donations, and grants play a crucial role in sustaining our operations and enabling us to continue making a positive impact.

>12 Tonnes

of food distributed each month

>$100,000,000

of food saved each year alone

32

Community Groups served by Food Rescue Aoraki

18

Early Childhood Centres aided by FRA

GET INVOLVED

Join us in our mission to rescue food and fight hunger in Mid-South Canterbury. Whether through volunteering, donating, or becoming a sponsor, your support can make a significant difference. Together, we can ensure that no good food goes to waste and that our community thrives.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

I have volunteered at FRA for 3 years and feel honoured to be part of this organisation. In that time, I have enjoyed the family community it offers and have seen the commitment and dedication of this team. The impact of FRA’s work is remarkable and essential to meeting the needs within our community and has a real meaningful difference. I see it firsthand as a Volunteer at South School Breakfast Club, which FRA supports with donated food.

TRUDY RAPATA FRA Volunteer

[FRA has] helped me hugely in more ways than I could imagine … financially, mentally & emotionally.\ The financial impact has enabled me to meet my current costs and that has eased the mental load of making the budget meet, however I wasn’t expecting that it would impact me emotionally how it did, I felt care and kindness and they also helped me feel human and that I had worth. It was also lovely to try foods I have never tried before, have some treat foods and yummy meats.

'KRISTIN' (real name withheld) FRA Recipient

[FRA] played a crucial role in ensuring the success and enjoyment of our camp experience.  Thanks to your support, we were able to cut our food budget and put the money towards sending 5 children to camp whom originally were financial unable to attend camp.  We would also like to extend our appreciation to the incredible team at the food bank for their hard work and dedication in organizing and distributing these essential resources. Your efforts have made a significant difference in the lives of our students, fostering a sense of community and reminding us of the power of kindness.

DONNA WHITE Timaru South School (FRA Recipient)

MEET THE TEAM

Helen McKeown

Operations Manager
I manage overall operations of the Timaru and Ashburton Food Collections and re-distribution into local Community Groups and Foodbanks. Part of my position is also to apply for Grants and manage sponsorship and donations. I have been with Food Rescue for 4 years and am very committed to Community need.

Christine Phillips

Timaru Warehouse Manager
We have a volunteer team which I co-ordinate to manage the distribution of our rescued food into local Community Groups and Foodbanks. We are dedicated to supplying good quality food to those in our community who are in need. I have been with Foodbank for 3 years and love being part of such a worthy Community Organisation.

Karen Henderson

Driver/Assistant
Most of my work includes managing the daily rounds of rescuing food from Supermarkets, Distributors and Produce Stores. I also help in the warehouses sorting and re-packaging food. I feel very proud of this Organisation, Food Rescue Aoraki as we can see firsthand the reduction in landfill and the donated food being given to worthy causes.

OUR SPONSORS

JOIN OUR TEAM!

At Food Rescue Aoraki, our volunteers are the heart of our organization. Many of our volunteers have been with us for years, with some having been part of our family since we started in 2018. We are proud to foster a supportive, family-like environment where everyone feels valued and cared for.

  • Give Back to the Community

    Experience the rewarding feeling of making a positive impact on those in need.

  • Become Part of the FRA Family

    Enjoy a sense of belonging within our close-knit community.

     

  • Expand Your Social Circle

    Engage with staff and fellow volunteers, building meaningful connections.

  • Feel Appreciated

    Know that your efforts are recognized and valued by everyone at FRA.

  • Develop Empathy

    Gain a deeper understanding of the needs of others.

  • Enhance Your Skills

    Receive training and personal development opportunities to grow both personally and professionally

GET IN TOUCH

Want to find out more or join our team? Drop us a line