Give Food
In Australia, 7.6 million tonnes of food is wasted every year - destroying our environment and costing the economy $36.6 billion annually. Wasting food wastes everything.
Become a Food Donor
Give Food
In Australia, 7.6 million tonnes of food is wasted every year - destroying our environment and costing the economy $36.6 billion annually. Wasting food wastes everything.
Become a Food Donor
How it Works
We CAN collect: All perishable food / frozen food (including dairy, fish and meat, fresh juice) which is on or before its ‘use by date’ as long as it is still fit for human consumption; all non-perishable food even if it is up to 3 months past its ‘best before date’.
Please ensure that all food items are kept food safe until the collection. We cater for the most vulnerable in the community and follow strict food safety standards. Our drivers are trained to spot hazards and are instructed to refuse any items they find unsafe.
By saving quality excess food, you are not only reducing your own waste and disposal costs, but greatly assisting people in need in your community!
A day in the life of an OzHarvest Driver
OzHarvest rescues good quality, surplus food, free of charge from registered businesses only. This food is then delivered to charity agencies in the local area. Join OzHarvest driver Henry as he rescues good food and delivers it to one of our many recipient agencies.
FAQs
Food Drive
OzHarvest Food Drives can be run all year round for non-perishable food items only and within use-by date including: pasta, rice, whole grain cereal, canned fruit and veg, tuna, salmon, chicken, beef stews (ring pull), long life milk products, breakfast cereals, tea/coffee, and biscuits (sweet and savoury).
Food containing alcohol cannot be accepted, so please do not collect Christmas Puddings! Please avoid filling heavy boxes, do not wrap the food, leave boxes open. Food donated in eco shopping bags is preferred.
Food Drive items distributed by OzHarvest make an invaluable difference to local vulnerable people. We thank you for your part in helping us to nourish hungry bellies and support those in our community.
Become a Food Donor
Food Donor FAQs
Almost anything suitable for human consumption, as long as it’s food safe. Fruit and vegetables, meat, cooked meals and prepacked vacuum items, dry goods, cakes and baked goods, drinks, dairy and eggs.
OzHarvest does not collect shellfish nor cooked rice due to health and safety regulations. Bread is also a challenge to re-distribute due to huge wastage volumes in Australia. For this reason, we’re currently at capacity taking bread donations.
No. Unfortunately this is no longer food safe. However, some meats can be frozen on this date and remain food safe.
Yes! We can collect certain foods past the best before dates, if the food is still in good condition and food safe. Generally, three months past is a safe rule, however please ask our team to discuss.
Businesses who donate food to OzHarvest are protected from civil liability by the law. Food safety is our priority, OzHarvest operates within the food handling guidelines of state and federal health departments and in strict compliance with all applicable legislation.
Food should be donated in food safe containers that will survive transport and re-distribution and be labelled with any food safety information if required. OzHarvest vans and charities collecting through the app also carry some containers.
OzHarvest rescues food from registered businesses only. If you wish to donate food from a private home or residence, we recommend finding a local charity or shelter that may require food relief or assistance. You can find charities or shelters in your area using our search page.
