Go Eco Food Rescue
Go Eco Food Rescue was founded in 2014 to turn an environmental issue into a solution to reduce food insecurity. Instead of letting perfectly edible food go to landfill, we rescue and redistribute it to feed people in our region, reducing both food waste and carbon emissions. When food is sent to landfill, it decomposes without oxygen, producing methane—a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide—contributing to climate change.
We acknowledge that food rescue and redistribution may alleviate individual experiences of hunger and food insecurity, however, it does not address the underlying issues of inequitable access to resources. Rescued food is unpredictable meaning that this type of food cannot be relied upon to address a stable food supply, nor is it systemic climate action.
Over the past 10 years, we have rescued 3 million kilos of food, partnering with charities and community centres to ensure it helps feed people across the region. Our long term relationships with the NZ Food Network, national food distributors, local food producers, supermarkets, volunteers and funders have allowed us to continue to increase our capacity and capability to rescue and redistribute more food to our communities.
Through collaboration with local charitable organisations and Community Centres, we provide food to 9 ‘Free Stores’ across Kirikiriroa, increasing access to barrier-free food and supporting the well-being of our communities.
Numbers from 1 July 2023 – 30 June 2024
Community Free Stores: Kirikiriroa Hamilton
Waimarie: Hamilton East Community House | 53 Wellington Street, Hamilton East. Monday to Friday 1pm. Please call first 07) 858 3453. Reopens Monday 13 January.
Te Whare Kokonga – Melville Community Centre | 58 Bader Street, Bader | Monday to Friday 1pm. Ph. 07 843 8811. Reopens on Monday 20 January.
Western Community Centre | 46 Hyde Avenue, Nawton | Monday, Thursday and Friday from 1pm. Ph. 07 847 4873. Reopens Monday 13 January.
Glenview Community Centre | 12 Tomin Road, Glenview | Monday, Wednesday and Friday 1-1.30pm. Register for a parcel before 12.30pm. Ph 07 843 2600. Reopens from Wednesday 15 January.
Pukete Neighbourhood House | 43 Church Road, Te Rapa Sportsdrome, Pukete | Monday – Friday (Except Tuesday) from 1pm. Ph. 07 849 1115. Reopens from 29 January.
Good News Community Centre | 78 Breckons Avenue, Nawton | Monday – Friday (Except Wednesday) from 1pm. Ph. 07 850 5020.
Te Papanui Enderley Community Trust | 66 Tennyson Road | Tuesdays and Thursday from 1pm. Ph. 0800 363375. Reopens Monday 13 January.
Te Whānau Pūtahi Community Centre | 37 Oxford Street, Fairfield | Monday and Friday 1pm. Ph. 07 855 0990. Reopens 13 January.
Te Whare o te Ata | 214 Clarkin Road, Fairfield, |Wednesdays 1pm. Ph. 022 0355458. Reopens Monday 13 January.
While we’re proud that our climate action helps alleviate short term hunger in our community, food rescue should not be considered a solution to food insecurity. This is why we continue to advocate for liveable incomes and systems which support food sovereignty. Because the food is rescued, we cannot guarantee supply so if you are in need of food, or any essential item please contact heretohelpu.nz or call 0800 568 273 and leave a message
We acknowledge that the overproduction of food must be addressed at the source and that the solution to food waste is for food industry producers to operate in more sustainable and less wasteful ways.
Research
To measure the quantity of retail food waste in New Zealand, to identify key motivators and barriers for retail food waste reduction, and to draw comparisons to data on food waste collected by New Zealand retailers. A quantitative and qualitative study of retail food waste in New Zealand. Francesca Goodman-Smith, University of Otago.
https://ourarchive.otago.ac.nz/handle/10523/7972
To better understand food loss and waste, the Office of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor worked with experts and stakeholders across the motu to understand the problem and explore evidence based solutions to alleviate food lost and wasted throughout the food system. They released a series of five reports as well as resources which are available on their website.
https://www.pmcsa.ac.nz/topics/food-rescue-food-waste/