OzHarvest returned to Canberra in late 2014 in response to the increased need for emergency food relief in the ACT and surrounding districts. Calls were coming into the national office thick and fast from charities who were finding it increasingly difficult to assist the large number of people asking for help.

At the same time, record levels of food were being thrown into hoppers and bins by retailers and supermarkets throughout our community. The answer...send in OzHarvest!

With the generous support of the Canberra Airport Group, the Snow Foundation and Thyne Reid Foundation, our team hit the road running!

Most people who spot our van zipping all over Canberra, Queanbeyan and Yass would be amazed at how much food is in the back! A typical week sees us rescuing between 3500 and 4500 kilograms of great produce and non-perishable food. Weekends normally involve the collection, sorting and delivery of over 700 kilos per day, 75% of which is perfectly good organic fruit and veggies.

Where does it come from? Supermarkets such as ALDI, Virgin Airlines, Costco, Woolworths and Supabarn are regular donors, as well as places like Parliament House, the National Convention Centre, Government House and the Southside Farmers Markets at Woden CIT. It's a win-win for the supermarkets and retailers, their waste disposal costs are lower and they can be proud to say they are actively engaged in Corporate Social Responsibility.