Kairos
Rescue Food, Feed People, Build Community
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Whanaungatanga
Faith - Family - Connection
Kaitiakitanga
Stewardship
Manaakitanga
Embracing - Hospitality
“WHEN YOU COMBINE HUNGRY PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY, THE MASSES OF QUALITY, WASTED FOOD FROM CAFES & EATERIES DAILY, AND PASSIONATE PEOPLE WHO WANT TO GET INVOLVED, SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL IS BOUND TO HAPPEN.
Kairos Food Rescue began in 2018 with an idea. Cafe manager, Beth, was dismayed by the amount of food wasted at the end of the day in the cafe industry, and thought she might be able to do something about it. With some help and a donated shipping container, Beth rescued leftover cafe food from the tip and made it available to anyone who wanted it. Read more about our history.
Over time, Kairos grew to become a large scale food rescue organisation, rescue surplus food from farms and food wholesalers and retailers, as well as local restaurants and cafes.
Can I get a food parcel?
Kairos Food Rescue does not provide food parcels. We work with and supply local food banks for distribution of food to the community.
Find a food bank
What is the Community Hub?
The Kairos Community Hub is a welcoming space where anyone can come and collect rescued food—completely free of charge. It’s all about reducing food waste and supporting our community with dignity and care. We are now operating out of our Community Hub once a week on Fridays, offering a wide range of fresh and packaged items that would otherwise go to waste.
Kairos Community Hub
Address: 150 Ferry Road, Christchurch
Times: Fridays, 4:30-6:30pm
Where does the food come from?
We try to rescue food from as many sources of potential waste as possible.
These include:
Short-dated stock from supermarkets and other bulk food providers. We are proud to collaborate with Woolworths NZ to combat food waste in this industry and collect from Woolworths and Pak’n’Save stores across Christchurch.
Unsold produce from farms. Farms are often unable to sell some of their produce due to it being the wrong shape or colour for market standards.
Leftover café or restaurant food. Food outlets are required to dispose of unsold food at the end of the business day. We take this food off their hands, where it can be immediately distributed to the hungry or frozen for future use.
Do you only operate in Christchurch?
Kairos Food Rescue is based in Christchurch. Through our association with Satisfy Food Rescue in Kaiapoi, we are able to provide food rescue services throughout Canterbury.
Our Values
Practice sustainability and have a positive impact on the environment.
Create a space where everyone is welcome.
To see food going into the hands of people and create an inclusive, beautiful community.
Embody manaakitanga (care of relationships) and kotahitanga (unity) to show our community what true hospitality looks like, and to accept that there is unity in diversity.
Be relational, not transactional, and have a space where you can come as you are; no questions asked.
