OzHarvest Markets continue to be bright spots of community connection and support, providing a welcoming environment and dignified shopping experience in times of increased need.

Thanks to the City of Sydney, the Waterloo Market opened on Mondays throughout 2024 expanding access to nutritious food and essential services. The sense of community shines through at the annual Eat.Shop.Chop event, where over 550 customers enjoyed free haircuts, new clothing and delicious food truck meals. It’s not just about food – it’s about creating moments of joy and dignity for our community.

In August, we opened our second market in Adelaide, thanks to philanthropic funding from Richard and Joanne Collins. This has quickly become a vital community hub and is now serving over 600 customers weekly. Both markets provide so much more than food relief – they offer hope, comfort, conversation and often a lifeline for people facing challenging times. The deep emotional impact felt by an international student, was shared by one of our kind-hearted volunteers,

“You saved my life,”

he said.