OzHarvest Brisbane is making a real difference in Queensland

Last week I went with Shannon from OzHarvest Brisbane to pick up and deliver food to Brisbane Youth Service in Winstanley St.

We talked about how reducing food waste helps combat climate change and how over 7.3 million tonnes of food are wasted each year in Australia. OzHarvest takes food that isn't usually sellable and gives it to charities and organisations that help feed hungry bellies.

In Brisbane, their fleet of 9 vehicles, known as the big yellow vans, support more than 130 charities every week, across Brisbane, Logan, Redlands, Ipswich and Caboolture. Their unique model delivers improved health and nutritional outcomes to some of our most vulnerable communities, environmental benefits by reducing the amount of food sent to landfill, and savings to charities who can reinvest precious funds into housing, education, rehabilitation and other front-line services.

There has been a 47% increase in demand for food relief since COVID started, and the Schrinner Council has been able to sponsor 3 OzHarvest vehicles through till October 2021.

Since commencing operations ten years ago, OzHarvest Brisbane has delivered more than 22 million meals, nourishing families and individuals experiencing food insecurity, and protecting our planet from the harmful effects of food waste.

I'm so grateful for the amazing work that food rescue drivers like Shannon do in our community and I am proud to be a part of a Council that supports them so strongly.

If you would like to help OzHarvest, check out their website for resources to fight food waste at home. Every $1 donated = 2 meals for someone in need.