Our Kaupapa
AFRA is a participatory alliance of organisations brought together by the act of food rescue – collecting nutritious surplus food and distributing it to people in need. We collaborate to be the most effective local food rescue organisations in Aotearoa, allied to enhance our collective impact.
Our vision is that tangata whenua and tangata tiriti thrive because the mana of kai is honoured and Papatuānuku is respected.
ADVOCACY
We influence policy and practice at a national and local level to enhance our work, our communities, and the environment.
AKO
We develop our people, creating opportunities to grow professionally and personally.
BEST PRACTICE
We define and share evidence-informed best practice and strive to implement it at all times.
SUSTAINABILITY
We develop our organisations and communities to be resilient and our mahi sustains our environment and society.
Turning an environmental problem into a social solution
Keeping food where it belongs
Our members collect surplus food from businesses like supermarkets, restaurants, and farms, and redistribute it to those in need. It’s a win-win for our communities and the environment.
After collection, they sort the food and either pass that onto community groups across Aotearoa which distribute it to individuals, or some food rescues—like those operating free stores—give food directly to members of their community.
Many of our members are also food hubs for the New Zealand Food Network, which collects donated bulk food from producers and distributes it to food rescues and other community food providers.
Addressing the underlying causes of food insecurity takes a holistic approach and we’re proud our members are an important part of the solution.
In New Zealand, where billions of dollars worth of edible food is wasted and one in five children face food insecurity, food rescue turns an environmental problem into a social solution.
Food insecurity
One in nine people globally are undernourished.
In New Zealand, one in five children face food insecurity.
What’s the problem?
Food waste
A third of the food produced globally is wasted from farm to fork.
In Aotearoa, the average New Zealand household spends over $650 on wasted food each year.
Interested in joining AFRA?
Our members are incredible champions in their communities. We’re always happy to talk with food rescue organisations about becoming part of the AFRA whānau (above photo: Waiheke Resource Trust).
Want to Donate Food?
If you’re a business and are interested in learning more about donating food to a local food rescue organisation, visit our food donor page and check out our Food Donor Guide for more info.