From Backyards to Orchards: 10 Years of Community Second Harvest

In North Canterbury, Satisfy Food Rescue has grown a thriving Second Harvest programme, channelling surplus fruit and vegetables back into the community. From the outset, this mahi has been part of Satisfy’s kaupapa. In 2015, founder and Chair Phillipa Hunt started approaching local growers and home gardeners, collecting their surplus produce. Early support came from a market garden donating what it couldn’t sell, and groups of volunteers helping to harvest potatoes from the same site. From there, connections grew, and more local growers and households with excess kai began contributing too.

“Today our Second Harvest spans everything from residential gardens to small growers and commercial orchards across Waimakariri, Christchurch City, and Hurunui,” says Cameron Crawley, Satisfy’s Operations Coordinator. “Depending on the season, harvests can be anywhere from 20 to 300 kilograms in a single session. Our busiest months are February to May, with groups ranging from just a handful of volunteers to 15.”

Satisfy distributes the fresh produce to its wide network of recipients, from food banks, schools, and marae to soup kitchens and community meal programmes, who all love receiving such fresh kai. Over the years, harvests have included pears, apples, oranges, plums, capsicums and feijoas, alongside pumpkins, tomatoes, and carrots.

Connecting with Growers

The team at Satisfy still gets plenty of referrals through word of mouth, but they also reach out directly to potential growers. “Most people are really happy to donate their surplus,” says Cameron. “They see it as a practical way to reduce food waste while helping feed local whānau.”

When contacting new orchardists, the team explains how the process works, from health and safety through to logistics and distribution, so growers know exactly what to expect. While some may pass if their crop has already been picked, many are keen to be involved next time.

Supporting Volunteers and Spreading the Word

Satisfy’s Second Harvest programme relies on a dedicated crew of volunteers, supported by around 50 others who help with daily food rescue. Volunteers sign up through the website and receive all the details they need for each harvest by email. Satisfy provides everything required, transport, ladders, gloves, and harvest bins, so it’s easy for people to get involved.

Short-notice harvests and unpredictable weather remain constant challenges, but clear systems, flexibility, and quick coordination keep things running smoothly. Sharing photos, stories, and videos on social media and in local news has also raised the profile of Second Harvest in Canterbury, drawing in new volunteers and growers.

Looking ahead, Satisfy sees huge potential to expand Second Harvest across the South Island, building regional volunteer networks and collaborating with others to ensure even more communities can enjoy the benefits of fresh, locally harvested kai.

Learn more about how you can get involved in Second Harvest here.