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.
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.
How it Works
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.
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!
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.
