Operating in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, the Hutt Valley, Kāpiti and Horowhenua, Kaibosh rescues good, edible food that would otherwise go to waste – redistributing it to 150+ local community groups and charities who support a variety of people who might otherwise struggle to access good healthy kai. In a city that prides itself on sustainability and care, Kaibosh’s work delivers on both fronts: reducing climate-harming food waste while helping feed thousands every week.
“Too many whānau are going without nourishing kai right here in the Wellington region,” says Susie Robertson, Kaiārahi / CE of Kaibosh.
“As a country, we produce an abundance of good food – but so much is lost to waste. We’re working hard to change that, and we need our community with us this May.”
Recent research from both Kore Hiakai and Health NZ annual surveys highlights the urgency: 1 in 4 children in Aotearoa live in households where food often or sometimes runs out. Meanwhile, Government funding for food rescue is uncertain, despite increased demand from communities.
Each week, Kaibosh distributes over 1,000 banana boxes of rescued food to their partner organisations, the equivalent to over 1.7 million meals worth of food in year. This winter, their hubs are humming – and so is their creativity.
To help shine a light on the appeal, Kaibosh has launched Banana Box Artivism – a thought-provoking, playful pop-up installation in Wellington City that turns hundreds of recycled banana boxes into a powerful statement.
“At Kaibosh, we’re used to thinking outside the (banana) box” Susie says. “These boxes tell a story: of food saved, waste avoided, people helped and of community resilience.”
As a busy charity, working as the link between food sector and community groups, Kaibosh is a dynamic and innovative organisation always looking engage with more people and build strong partnerships.
Their artivism project is supported by Urban Dream Brokerage service with support from Wellington City Council. Urban Dream Brokerage finds space for new ideas that enliven our city through public participation.
“We’re making a real difference, but we can’t do it alone. This May we asking Wellingtonians to chip in and be part of the rescue” says Susie.
Every $60 donated to Kaibosh can feed a family of four for a week.
“Every donation helps keep our fleet of vans out collecting kai, our fridges running and helps us look after volunteers at our three hubs – so we can keep rescuing good kai for people who need it.”
Kaibosh has been rescuing food since 2008 — they were the first dedicated food rescue in Aotearoa. Their 240+ volunteers contribute over 8,000 hours each year to collect, check, sort and allocate good surplus food from over 80 food businesses, distributing it to people across the Wellington region who need it.
“Your donation in May goes directly to helping us rescue food – so good surplus kai reaches people” says Susie. “Whether you give a little or a lot, you’re making a difference right here in our city.”
Kaibosh’s Annual Appeal runs 1–31 May.
Donations can be made online at kaibosh.org.nz
Banana Box Artivism, open weekdays 12–2pm until 16 May, at 126 Lambton Quay.