Go Eco Food Rescue (Kaivolution)
Go Eco Food Rescue (Kaivolution) was founded in 2014 to turn an environmental problem into a social solution. We rescue and redistribute perfectly edible food from supermarkets, orchards and food producers. Instead of the food going to landfill, it feeds people in our region and reduces carbon emissions.
In the last financial year to July 2023, we rescued 379,621kg of food, including bread, produce, dairy, meat and grocery.
To make sure the food is distributed far and wide into the community, we partner with local charitable organisations, and with Community Centres to operate ‘Free-Stores’ which make this food available to those who need it. There are nine Free-Stores in Kirikiriroa, with hubs in Huntly, Ngaaruawaahia and Cambridge.
We work with a variety of food suppliers across the Waikato, and appreciate the relationships with Countdown, New World, Bidvest, Volare, Ingham’s Chicken, Nando’s, The Lettuce Man, Newstead Apple Orchard, the Hamilton Gardens, Montana Catering, Raglan Food Co, Kerr and Ladbrook Catering, Waikato Diocesan School for Girls, Jersey Girl Milk, Green Grower, Prolife and Toll.
Did you know, according to research from the University of Otago it is estimated that 60,500 tonnes of food is wasted every year by supermarkets alone! This equates to approximately 160 tonnes per store. We want to express our thanks to all of our supermarkets for getting involved. https://ourarchive.otago.ac.nz/handle/10523/7972
Community Free Stores: Kirikiriroa Hamilton
Waimarie: Hamilton East Community House | 53 Wellington Street, Hamilton East | Monday to Friday 11am-12pm Please call first 07) 858 3453.
Te Whare Kokonga – Melville Community Centre | 58 Bader Street, Bader | Mon to Friday 1.30-2.30pm. Ph. 07 843 8811.
Western Community Centre | 46 Hyde Avenue, Nawton | Monday, Thursday and Friday from 1pm. Ph. 07 847 4873.
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.
Pukete Neighbourhood House | 43 Church Road, Te Rapa Sportsdrome, Pukete | Monday – Friday (Except Tuesday) from 11am. Ph. 07 849 1115.
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.
Te Whānau Pūtahi Community Centre | 37 Oxford Street, Fairfield | Monday and Friday 11.30-12.15pm. Ph. 07 855 0990.
Te Whare o te Ata | 214 Clarkin Road, Fairfield, |Wednesdays 11-12pm. Ph. 022 0355458.
Community Collaborators:
We also work with charities who distribute food throughout their own networks Te Whakaruruhau (Waikato Women’s Refuge), The Serve & Arts for Health. Please note, these organisations do not run free stores — so they are not open to the public.
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.