A Kaiapoi charity that has saved more than one million kilograms of food from landfill is making strong use of a waste minimisation grant to further its mission.
Since 2015, Satisfy Food Rescue has been working with food retailers and community groups to re-direct rescued food to those who need it most.
“So far, we’ve rescued over 1.7 million kilograms of food – the equivalent of nearly 5 million meals,” says Communications and Funding Specialist Fran Cain.
The charity was awarded $20,000 in 2023 through the Canterbury Waste Minimisation Grant, which is open again for applications.
The grant was put towards operational costs including staff wages, vehicle maintenance, and power for running their chillers and freezers - essential to keeping rescued food safe.
“Grants that support general operating costs are incredibly valuable to us, helping us to stay financially sustainable.
“With this support, we’ve continued to rescue and redistribute food that would otherwise go to landfill, supporting 55 local organisations including food banks, community meal providers, marae, iwi health services, and schools across North Canterbury and Christchurch. This food reaches over 200,000 people each year,” Fran says.
As Satisfy Food Rescue celebrates 10 years of operation, Fran said it’s humbling to reflect on how far the charity has come – now with 11 staff and more than 50 dedicated volunteers.
“From one carload of bread to a fleet of three vans, 55 recipient organisations, and a passionate team of volunteers and staff. Every box of kai we rescue is a testament to the power of community and the collective commitment to reducing waste and helping others.”
Satisfy Food Rescue volunteers unloading donated food for refrigeration
Another Waimakariri non-profit that has benefited from the Canterbury Waste Minimisation Grant is the Waimakariri Bike Project which recycles pre-loved bikes, donates them to people who need them and helps others fix their own bikes so they can continue riding.
Council Community Development Facilitator Martin Pugh said the grant was fantastic seed funding.
“With this cash injection we managed to hire our first ever coordinator, who ran our workshops for people to come and fix, learn and receive repaired bikes from the community.”
Martin says the project not only provides practical skills to rangatahi/young people but is diverting waste and scrap from landfill.
“We have salvaged easily more than 200 bikes – probably more!”
Volunteers fixing tyre leaks and truing wheels during a bike project workshop
Apply for the Canterbury Waste Minimisation Grant
The Canterbury Waste Minimisation Grant is available for projects that promote effective and efficient waste management and minimisation.
Applications for the Grant close on 31 May 2025. View details and apply online.
The Waimakariri District Council is a member of the Canterbury Waste Joint Committee, which works to reduce solid and hazardous waste across the Canterbury region.