OzHarvest has opened a new food rescue hub in Western Sydney to meet the growing demand for food relief as the cost-of-living crisis pushes more Australians into food insecurity. Based in Wetherill Park, the hub will rescue and deliver food across five routes, including Liverpool, Campbelltown, Penrith, Richmond, and Mt Annan, with two more to be added by June 2025.

OzHarvest Founder Ronni Kahn AO said the need for food relief continues at an all-time high and the new hub will help address the demand in this area of high need. “This is the toughest it’s ever been. Our charity partners tell us that people are desperate, with over a third needing help for the first time in their lives. We’re doing whatever we can to make sure vulnerable communities are supported – every meal we rescue makes a real difference.”

NSW State Manager, Richard Watson said an additional 75,000 kgs of food will be rescued annually. “The new OzHarvest hub will improve efficiency, cutting down travel time for our drivers allowing them to start and end their journeys in the heart of Western Sydney. This will result in more food getting where it’s needed most – supporting an extra 75 food pickups per week and taking 25 charities off the waitlist for food.”

Nathan Moulds, Food and Financial Assistance, Senior Program Manager, Anglicare is one of the 75 charities receiving food from the new hub. “The OzHarvest hub has opened new avenues of food support that we can pass on to families and individuals in need. The volume of food has been a game changer for us and is helping us continue to scale our outreach and support for to 60+ locations in the region.”

The new hub is part of OzHarvest’s wider expansion plans to better support people in need in Western Sydney, aiming to grow the reach of education programs, improve access to larger food suppliers, and recruit local team members.

This much-needed project has been made possible thanks to funding from the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (NSWEPA) allowing us to sign a new two-year lease in the heart of Western Sydney. National Food Rescue partner Woolworths is committed to supporting the new hub with increased quality food donations from 32 stores, expanding to add seven more stores by June 2025.

OzHarvest is urging all political parties to take bold action ahead of the federal election.

“To meet the skyrocketing demand for food relief, we’re calling for urgent action to provide sustainable long-term funding for the sector. Australia needs a National Food Plan and a dedicated Minister for Food to address food insecurity and food waste holistically,” said Ronni Kahn.

OzHarvest continues to support the ‘Raise the Rate’ campaign led by ACOSS, calling for welfare increases to help lift people out of poverty and improve food security nationwide.

Media Contact:  [email protected] 

Jenny Lim | OzHarvest Media & Comms Manager | 0452 321209
Fiona Nearn | National Brand & Comms Lead | 0405 588186 

Download full Media Release here.