The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set in 2015, are a road map for global change to create a better future. SDGs are tangible and can motivate action at all levels of society, as people can connect with and relate to the bigger picture. At OzHarvest, we create opportunities for collaboration and innovation to accelerate social and environmental impact across five of the SDGs.

Through food rescue operations and food relief services we’re ensuring fresh and nutritious food is accessible to all. We’re continuously evolving our model and increasing efficiencies in food rescue to get more food, to feed more people. Innovation plays a key part in addressing the ongoing need in Australia and we’re always looking for new solutions. Working with our peers in the food relief sector, we’re a collective voice for those experiencing food insecurity in Australia and are committed to bringing about change to address this national issue.

Our education programs aim to create positive change across different community groups by improving life skills, increasing healthy eating and raising awareness about food waste and sustainable living. FEAST is a curriculum-aligned program for schools which inspires future change-makers and behavioural change towards reducing food waste. NEST improves food security and creates community connections for vulnerable adults and Nourish creates new life skills and pathways for a better future for young people facing barriers to education. Our impact in these programs not only makes a difference in the lives of individuals, but also engages partners to support collective action on this goal.

We use our voice to champion the value of food and inspire change at all levels of society. Our focus is on achieving goal 12.3: to halve food waste per capita by 2030 and empowering businesses and consumers to do the same. We’re working closely with partners and food donors to reduce waste to landfill and ensure targets are set and met. We’re investing in consumer research and campaigns to tackle food waste at home, and our Use It Up Tape™ is proven to reduce household food waste by 40% – embedding the behaviour nationally is our goal. Through innovation with OzHarvest Ventures, we’re looking at new products and business solutions that create social and environmental impact.

SDG 13 is about the core of the Paris agreement – how to prepare for the impact of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Protecting our planet is a key part of our mission and our advocacy work is central to raising awareness and connecting the dots between food waste and climate change. Through our partnerships, programs, communications and campaigns we educate people on the environmental impact of methane caused by wasted food and inspire action on reducing waste. Food rescue prevents the embedded carbon emissions from food production from being wasted and avoids the release of methane from food rotting in landfill. For every kilo of food rescued, 1kg of CO2 equivalent is saved from being released into the atmosphere.

Solving complex problems like food waste and food security are impossible without partnerships. We’re passionate about working with like-minded partners that share our vision for a better world, our network includes food donors, corporate partners, all levels of government, charities, schools, educational institutions, other not for profit organisations and our peers in the food relief sector. Through all our partnerships we drive a connection to our cause and build strategies for reducing food waste, feeding hungry people, creating positive change and protecting our planet.