Overview of Organization
Overview of OzHarvest
OZHarvest is a leading food rescue organization based in Australia, renowned for its innovative approach to addressing food waste and food insecurity. Established in 2004 by Ronni Kahn, OZHarvest operates with a mission to rescue surplus food and distribute it to those in need, while also advocating for sustainable food practices. Through its extensive network of food donors, including supermarkets, caterers, and food wholesalers, OZHarvest collects excess food that would otherwise be discarded to landfill and redistributes it to charitable organizations, homeless shelters, schools, and community groups.
OZHarvest’s initiatives are diverse and impactful, encompassing food rescue, education, and advocacy. The organization’s flagship program, the Food Rescue Program, involves a fleet of refrigerated vans collecting surplus food from donors and delivering it to over 1,300 charities across Australia. This initiative not only prevents edible food from ending up in landfills but also provides nutritious meals to vulnerable individuals and families.
In addition to food rescue, OZHarvest is committed to raising awareness about food waste and promoting sustainable consumption practices. The “Think.Eat.Save” campaign, launched in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), aims to educate consumers, businesses, and policymakers about the environmental and social impacts of food waste, encouraging them to take action.
Through its innovative programs, passionate team, and collaborative approach, OZHarvest continues to be a driving force in the fight against food waste and hunger. By harnessing the power of food rescue and advocacy, OZHarvest is not only making a difference in the lives of individuals and communities but also leading the way towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
Narrative of my internship
During my internship, I held various roles such as; food rescuer, nutritional and sustainability ambassador, and agency support for urban farm gardening. The interdepartmental roles were crucial to building well-rounded individuals to scale up my skills and capabilities. As a food rescuer, the primary goal is to ensure efficient collection and delivery of surplus food from partnering supermarkets. In this role, planning was essential for analyzing the routes between physical stores, sorting food items, and keeping records of food rescued. Similarly, the role allowed me to engage with the community while delivering donations to various food banks and institutions.
As a Nutrition and Sustainability Ambassador at OzHarvest, my primary role is to promote sustainable consumption patterns and educate communities on the importance of nutrition and sustainability. Develop outreach programs to engage various community groups, including schools, local organizations, and businesses. Educating individuals about the importance of nutrition and sustainable consumption helped create long-lasting positive changes in behavior and attitudes. My efforts contributed to reducing food waste, improving public health, and supporting the environmental goals of OzHarvest. This role enhanced community awareness and empowered me to persuade individuals to make informed, sustainable choices that benefit their health and the planet.
As an agency support at Barona Farm, I was vital in promoting sustainable agriculture, community resilience, and food sovereignty. By managing the farm’s garden and engaging with the local community, I contributed to producing healthy, organic food while fostering environmental stewardship and social cohesion. The efforts help to create a vibrant and inclusive space where people of all backgrounds can come together to learn, work, and connect with nature. Through education, outreach, and hands-on participation, the team empowered individuals and communities to build a more resilient and sustainable food system for the future. I enjoyed interacting with everyone during the break.
