Kairos Food Rescue
Gavin Lowe Energy wanted to be able to provide support directly at the grass roots level and where it can have a quick and meaningful impact on the lives of those in our community who need a helping hand, and what better way to do this than with food. We are very proud to direct this support to Kairos Food Rescue.
About
Kairos Food Rescue began in 2018 as the Kairos Free Store, operated by a handful of volunteers from an upcycled container in an empty central Christchurch carpark. The free store fed people in need excess food from local cafes and restaurants, which otherwise would have been destined for the bin.
Since that time, Kairos’ role in the community has grown. They now rescue and receive donated food from over 70 suppliers, including supermarkets, wholesalers, farmers and other food producers which comes to their 850sqm warehouse. Kairos’ over 250 volunteers and 10 paid staff coordinate, sort and pack food, and representatives of over 60 recipient groups collect food from them and provide it to people in need. They also work with other food rescue organisations, both locally and nationally.
The Free Store has now become the Kairos Community Hub, operated by 40 volunteers and open on Fridays with over 100 people coming each week to receive food. Kairos works to alleviate the effects of poverty and the impact of the escalating cost of living. Their goal is that the provision of food is used as a tool to support conversations about the wider needs in people’s lives that mean they need food, so these can be addressed.
Additional points that you may wish to draw on for the website or social media:
- University of Otago social return on investment research shows for every $1 invested in food rescue, $4.5 of social value is created.
- With the 2025 New Zealand Hunger Monitor report showing one in three households have experienced some form of food insecurity in the last 12 months, re-distribution of rescued and donated food to those in need is of heightened importance.
What We Do
When it comes to community service and charities, we know that untagged cash is one of the best possible ways we can provide support. Gavin Lowe Energy contribute a generous cash donation every month directly to Kairos Food Rescue to use wherever they decide they need it the most.
Find Out More
To find out more about Kairos Food Rescue www.kairosfoodrescue.org.nz