OzHarvest Food App to launch in Wagga in an effort to reduce food wastage

OzHarvest is an Australian organisation linking businesses with an excess of food to charities who feed those in need.

In their latest venture, OzHarvest founder and CEO Ronni Kahn said the launch of the Food App will help regional communities in particular where transport vans cannot reach.

"Over four million Australians experience food insecurity each year, with regional areas hit the hardest as food relief is increasingly hard to access," she said.

"Within one community there can be a business throwing away perfectly edible food and just around the corner a charity is struggling to feed people in need.

"The OzHarvest Food App will help local communities support each other by connecting the two on a regular basis and make a tangible difference to people's lives."

Ms Kahn said the app will be a point of connection for local businesses and relevant charities.

"As the app is all about connecting businesses with surplus food directly with charities in the local area, we'd love to hear from supermarkets, independent grocers, bakeries, caterers, cafes, delis and restaurants," she said.

"Also any registered charities that provide food relief - and have the capacity to collect food locally - should get in touch with us," she said.

The OzHarvest Food App has already launched in parts of Australia and is being rolled out nationally with a focus on regional locations. According to Ms Kahn, the team are looking to have the app running in Wagga from July onward.

Food wastage in Wagga is an ongoing issue, which means great potential for providing food to those in need.

"We currently rescue up to 10,000kgs of food a month from 14 local food donors in Wagga," Ms Kahn said.

"In total we've delivered nearly 700,000 meals to around 13 charities that help feed people in need in the Wagga community.

"The new app will help us make sure that any surplus food in the local area goes to feeding hungry people rather than landfill."

Those interested in participating can seek more information here, or email waggawagga.info@ozharvest.org.