Feeding People, Not Landfill: Our OzHarvest Volunteer Day

Melanie Dixon August 07, 2025

In July, the Applied Environment & Safety team headed to Maroochydore, rolled up our sleeves, and stepped into the OzHarvest kitchen for a volunteer day of purpose-driven teamwork. In just a few hours, the team prepared 80 nutritious meals destined for people in need across the community.

This hands-on experience was part of OzHarvest’s Cooking for a Cause program, which transforms rescued ingredients into wholesome meals for vulnerable Australians. Guided by the incredible OzHarvest volunteers our team learned not only how to cook with creativity and minimal waste, but also how small actions can have meaningful impact.

OzHarvest is Australia’s leading food rescue organisation, founded on the mission to nourish our nation while combating food waste. Every week, the charity collects quality surplus food from commercial outlets and delivers it to charities supporting people experiencing food insecurity. Since its inception, OzHarvest has delivered over 200 million meals and rescues 250 tonnes of food from landfill each week.

The day was more than a team-building exercise, it was a powerful reminder of the impact of community, compassion and sustainability. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Lynda, Gemma and Annette for their warmth, guidance and infectious enthusiasm. Their dedication embodies the spirit of OzHarvest and left a lasting impression on us all.

As environmental professionals, we’re proud to support an organisation so deeply aligned with our values. We left the kitchen not just with full hearts, but with a renewed commitment to reducing waste and giving back.