Ronni Kahn AO
Celebrating 20 Years ‘Nourishing our Country!’
This past year has been rich and fulfilling – marking 20 years since OzHarvest came to life!! Celebrating our 20th anniversary in a time where the need for food is greater than ever, I find myself somewhat overwhelmed as I reflect on our journey. When I started OzHarvest in 2004 with one van and a simple plan – to rescue good food from going to waste, I could never have imagined the movement we would become.
There were so many highlights so I will begin with welcoming HRH Queen Camilla to our Refettorio OzHarvest Sydney – that was huge! Her Majesty’s genuine interest in our work and her deep understanding of food waste and food security is profound. Watching her engage with our chefs, volunteers, and the community members we serve, and seeing her genuine awe at what we have created, reminded me yet again why we do what we do and how powerful it is. The Refettorio has become exactly what we dreamed it would be – a place of dignity, hope, and beautiful food for those who need it most.
I knew that marking our huge milestone had to be different, especially in such challenging times. So, what started as a crazy idea, became – Unite to Feed Australia Live – a fundraising concert with much-loved Aussie artists to bring attention to a hidden crisis. The energy at ICC Sydney was electric as we watched 16 spine tingling performances and welcomed a very special guest and my inspiration for the event, Bob Geldof! I still get goosebumps thinking about it.
Reflecting over 20 years, I am in awe of our huge community of supporters that have helped us evolve from simply rescuing food to becoming a multi-faceted organisation driving real change. Our yellow vans have become a symbol of hope, now delivering over 28 million meals annually to people in need across the country. Our incredible volunteers – who have grown from a handful to 3,000 strong – giving their time and hearts to make things possible. The stories I hear from them, about the connections they make and the lives they touch, fill me with such joy.
Our education programs are creating lasting change in schools and communities across the country. We now have two OzHarvest Markets providing dignity of choice and access to beautiful fresh food for struggling families. I love seeing the impact of our team engagement Cooking for a Cause sessions transforming thousands of corporate employees into food waste warriors and advocates for our cause.
Today, OzHarvest stands for so much more than food rescue. We’re a movement for change, a community of purpose, and a beacon of hope. From influencing government to changing individual behaviours, from feeding people in crisis to educating children about sustainability – we’re tackling food waste and hunger from every angle.
I realise, that our energetic passionate and deeply purposeful culture emanates from the fact that we are a community of givers ….and that enriches us as much if not more than the sum of the service we provide.
Looking back on these 20 incredible years, I am filled with immense gratitude. Gratitude for our donors, supporters, and partners who have believed in our mission from day one. Gratitude for our dedicated team who work tirelessly to make it all happen. And most of all, gratitude that we can continue to make a real difference in people’s lives, one meal at a time.
With love and purpose,
Ronni Kahn AO
Founder & Visionary in Residence
Lawrence Goldstone
An exceptional year
As Chair of OzHarvest, it is my privilege to reflect on what has been an exceptional year marking our 20th anniversary. The growth and impact of our organisation continue to exceed expectations, demonstrating the power of our mission and the dedication of our people.
In 2024, OzHarvest has shown resilience and innovation in addressing the high level of demand for food relief across the country. It was a defining moment to see the Unite to Feed Australia concert come together, putting both OzHarvest and this national issue under the spotlight. Her Majesty Queen Camilla’s visit to the Refettorio OzHarvest Sydney further elevated our profile and validated our approach to dignity in food relief.
Financially, we have maintained strong governance while expanding our reach. Our operational efficiency has improved, allowing us to rescue more quality food and deliver more meals to people who need it most.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to my fellow board members, whose strategic guidance and unwavering commitment have been instrumental. It was a year of change as we welcomed new CEO James Goth to the take over the reins as Ronni Kahn transitioned into a new role as Founder and Visionary in Residence. Ronni – your energy of 20 years has been admirable and your vision continues to inspire and drive us forward.
As we look ahead, OzHarvest is well-positioned to continue its vital work. The impact we achieve together is testament to what can be accomplished when purpose meets action.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to making OzHarvest a force for positive change in our community.
Lawrence Goldstone
Chair, OzHarvest
James Goth
A New Chapter in our Journey
When I joined OzHarvest this year, I knew I was stepping into something special. What I didn’t fully appreciate was just how truly unique this organisation is – a place where passion and purpose combine with professionalism and innovation to create extraordinary change in communities across Australia.
It has been both thrilling and humbling to witness firsthand the rich impact OzHarvest creates every day. We operate at an impressive scale, rescuing millions of kilograms of food annually, while also creating deeply personal connections that transform individual lives. Our work addresses the immediate crisis of food insecurity today, providing nourishing meals to those who need them most, whilst driving systemic change in how Australia thinks about and manages food waste.
This matrix of impact – from scale to personal, from immediate to systemic – sets OzHarvest apart. We don’t just deliver meals; we deliver dignity. We don’t just reduce waste; we reimagine what’s possible when good food is valued and shared.
One of the most profound revelations in my early months has been experiencing the power of our volunteer community. Over 3,000 dedicated individuals who give their time, energy, and hearts to our cause. From supporting drivers in our yellow vans to welcoming customers at our markets and Refettorio, from helping chefs and our kitchen teams run Cooking for a Cause to assisting with our education programs, they are all passionate advocates who spread our message far and wide. Their collective contribution is not just valuable – it’s absolutely essential to everything we achieve.
Working alongside our founder, Ronni Kahn, has been nothing short of inspirational. Ronni is a remarkable force of nature – a bundle of energy, ideas, and passion that seems to grow stronger with each passing year. Together, we’re forging a partnership that honours OzHarvest’s rich history while embracing bold new possibilities for the future. Her visionary leadership continues to push boundaries, while I focus on building the systems and structures and strategies that will sustain our growth and maximize our impact.
As we reflect on another year of achievements in this Impact Report, I am filled with gratitude and optimism. The challenges of food waste and food insecurity remain significant, but so does our commitment to tackling them. With our dedicated team, generous supporters, and passionate volunteers, I am confident that OzHarvest will continue to ‘Nourish our Country’ in ways both tangible and transformative.
With deep gratitude
James Goth
Chief Executive Officer
