Tag Archives: food system
25 Sep 25 |
Every crate of food we rescue for people in our communities is a win for people and the planet. We know food waste is a problem in our warming world – but just how big a problem? The global Food Waste Index Report 2024 compiled by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) found that a fifth of food at consumer/retail stage is wasted – and globally this adds up to over a billion tonnes! This is in addition to 13 per cent of food loss that the FAO estimates between farm/production and retail. Here in Aotearoa, New Zealand households waste about 80 kilograms of good food every year, which adds up to tossing out around $1,364 worth of good kai. (Take a look at which foods are the most wasted.)
Continue Reading19 Jun 25 |
We had big plans for May 1st — a shared meal and conversation about kai, climate, community in Pōneke to launch the 2025 Kaibosh Annual Appeal. “Kai for our people, our climate, our future” was an event designed for connection, kai and kōrero, featuring a seasonal three-course dinner by Everybody Eats and important conversation led by three amazing speakers: food systems expert Emily King, kai sovereignty and climate justice advocate Moko Morris, and economist Dr Ganesh Ahirao. But the climate had other ideas.As a red-alert storm blew through Te Whanganui-a-Tara with gale-force winds and 11m waves, we made the call to cancel the event for everyone’s safety. Still, this kaupapa matters too much to not share with our network. So, we’re bringing the kōrero to you here — online — by sharing our speakers’ reflections and insights on the intersection of kai, climate, community and what shifts are needed in Aotearoa.
Continue Reading24 Apr 25 |
Banana Boxes to the Rescue At Kaibosh, we’re used to thinking outside the (banana) box. As demand for food support rises and traditional funding sources remain uncertain, we need more than just good systems —we need creative energy, strong partnerships and more people chipping in to help our food rescue mission. That’s why we’re thrilled to be working with Urban Dream Brokerage (UDB) and The Wellington Company this May to bring our mahi into the public eye in a new way with a pop-up at 126 Lambton Quary during our Annual Appeal. In a busy world where so many good causes are calling out for attention, we’re trying something a bit different to help people understand the scale—and the pressures—of food rescue. Our team at Kaibosh doesn’t just wait for food to come to us. We’re piloting solutions like Second Harvest, building relationships with growers, and running our own food rescue kitchens that transform even more rescued food into hearty kai for those in need. Every step is designed to meet growing demand with dignity, care, and community at the centre.
Continue Reading02 Apr 25 |
“Kai for our people, our climate, our future” Special dinner event with guest speakers, fundraising for Kaibosh’s Annual Appeal. Join Emily King, Moko Morris, Dr Ganesh Ahirao in conversation with Kaibosh about our food system – all while we share a delicious seasonal meal together. Thursday 1 May, 6 – 9 pm Level 1/ 60 Dixon Street, Pōneke $80 per person / $420 table for six Tickets at Humanitix
Continue Reading02 Apr 25 |
Zero food poverty – will we ever get there? You may have heard our vision statement at Kaibosh: Zero Food Poverty, Zero Food Waste. Sixteen and a half years ago, as Aotearoa’s first dedicated food rescue charity, we set this vision to guide our mahi. A question we often hear is: Are we there yet? The short answer is no. But the bigger question is: Why do we have food poverty in Aotearoa? And to begin answering that, we need to look at some complex, systemic factors that contribute to food poverty. What is food poverty? Food poverty means being unable to access enough nutritious food due to financial hardship. This could mean not being able to afford fresh kai or lacking transport to reach food retailers. The term food insecurity is sometimes used interchangeably, though it can also refer to shorter-term disruptions in food access—such as after a flood or other crisis. The evidence is clear. Food poverty is a very real problem for many in Aotearoa.
Continue Reading23 Dec 24 |
Rescuing Food, Nourishing Communities At Kaibosh Food Rescue, our mission revolves around ensuring that everyone has access to fresh, nutritious food while working tirelessly to reduce food waste. Central to this mahi (work) is our incredible team of volunteers, who dedicate their time and energy to carefully inspecting and sorting all rescued kai (food) that comes into our three food rescue hubs. Their efforts ensure that the food we redistribute to our partner community groups is of high quality and ready to inspire delicious, healthy meals. The art of sorting rescued kai
Continue Reading01 Jul 24 |
New short film brings spotlight to Kaibosh & The Petone Depot A team of four local Massey University Screen Arts students created an awesome short-film project profiling our Pito-one Kitchen Coordinator, Ange Holtslag! Kaibosh loves collaborating with young people and supporting creative ideas, so it was a no-brainer for us to work with these budding filmmakers. They nailed the brief and were a breeze to work with, involving us closely throughout the production and review process. The important role Kaibosh plays is an underlying theme throughout the piece, as “…a connector between food that’s going to waste and helping it safely get to the people who need it.”
Continue Reading01 Jul 24 |
Update from our Kitchen in Pito-one We’ve been busy at work in the Kaibosh Kitchen whipping up innovative ways to make the most of our rescued kai! By developing recipes to transform food nearing the end of its life, we’re able to create healthy and delicious kai for the community, including stocks, sauces, pickles, jams, preserves, baking and more. These tasty treats are so handy to grab from the pantry and jazz up a meal with added protein or carbs, to make a full meals. We’ve received plenty of encouraging feedback from our food recipients so far.
Continue Reading30 Nov 23 |
Meet the Humans of Kaibosh – stories about the amazing people who contribute to our collective mahi! Hutt Tuesday Food Sort Team – “Is this broccoli dead or alive?” – by Louise Hammersley. Every Tuesday, a team of five Lower Hutt residents gather at Kaibosh’s Hutt Valley depot in Petone, rolling up their sleeves to sort up to 1 tonne of surplus food which has been rescued that morning. “Sometimes you see very strange combinations of things and it’s like a MasterChef mystery box!” This efficient team have become great friends and include two of our original Hutt volunteers, our OG Kaibosh Hutt Valley crew.
Continue Reading03 Oct 23 |
Kaibosh Food Rescue is 15 – serving the community since 2008 Media Release – 3 October 2023 Getting good food to people, instead of going to landfill just makes sense. That’s what Kaibosh Food Rescue has been doing since 2008. Kaibosh turns 15 in October, and since starting up has rescued and re-distributed an astounding 3.5 million kgs of surplus food, which equates to more than 10 million meals worth of kai getting to people via their network of hard-working community groups. Susie Robertson, CE/Kaiarahi of Kaibosh since June 2023, says “the work Kaibosh does is so tangible – every day I get to witness so much rescued healthy and nutritious food going out to our partner charities who then distribute it to those suffering from food insecurity. I am so grateful to the food donors, the staff, the volunteers, our community partners, and our funders who help us keep the wheels turning at Kaibosh day in and day out.”
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