In Cains Tce on a Friday vehicles are coming and going, all busily diverting over a tonne of food each week from the landfill.
Helen McKeown has been steering Food Rescue Aoraki on the right course since Christmas last year.
The group had been operating under Foodbank Aotearoa, but were told on December 22 last year they were closing.
Helen quickly sourced a private donation of $30,000 which helped tide them over for the first three months of the new year.
And that was when Food Rescue Aoraki was born.
The non-profit organisation rescues food from producers, supermarkets and other outlets and gives the food to the community.
Ms McKeown said the year had been about managing relationships.
Being a supplier to foodbanks, the organisation distributed food to 46 organisations across Mid and South Canterbury, including day-cares, Plunket, the YMCA and marae.
‘‘We’ve had a very busy year.’’
The organisation was going from strength to strength.
A brand new van helped to transport the food.
Food that would have previously gone to the landfill because it had almost reached its best before date was quickly collected and redistributed.
In Timaru alone, the organisation redirected 1.5 tonnes of food a week; in nearby Ashburton they redirected 1.4 tonnes of food.
Ms Mckeown said the organisation relied heavily on sponsors and donors, as well as a team of volunteers.
She said she ran the organisation like a business.
‘‘It is run on a very tight budget, we’re not in a position to waste anything.’’
Three part-time paid employees and nine volunteers kept the food flowing.
She said the organisation was always looking for volunteers.
‘‘There is a great vibe in here.
‘‘Everyone really enjoys working here — it is like a well-oiled machine.’’
