Quality control at Kaibosh
Rescuing Food, Nourishing Communities
At Kaibosh Food Rescue, our mission revolves around ensuring that everyone has access to fresh, nutritious food while working tirelessly to reduce food waste. Central to this mahi (work) is our incredible team of volunteers, who dedicate their time and energy to carefully inspecting and sorting all rescued kai (food) that comes into our three food rescue hubs. Their efforts ensure that the food we redistribute to our partner community groups is of high quality and ready to inspire delicious, healthy meals.
The art of sorting rescued kai
Food sorting is a hands-on, detail-oriented task that requires eagle eyes and compassionate hearts. Every piece of food is scrutinized with one simple question: “Is this good enough for my whānau and me to eat?” From separating still-edible grapes from the too-squishy ones 🍇 to inspecting packages for minor imperfections, our volunteers ensure that the rescued food is not just edible but inviting.
At Kaibosh, we believe that everyone deserves access to a plentiful array of healthy, vibrant food. The kai we rescue and redistribute is often described as the “sweet spot” – food that may no longer meet commercial standards for sale but is still perfectly good to eat. Odd shapes, bumps, bruises, or slightly overripe produce find new life in our care. And because we’re focused on nourishing our local community, we want the boxes we prepare to be as appealing as they are nutritious.
Making the most of every item
Take eggs, for instance. A cracked egg or a soggy carton may render the whole dozen unsellable in a store, but at Kaibosh, we see the value in the remaining good eggs. This approach extends the life of fresh produce, ensuring that what might otherwise be wasted is instead used to feed people in need. Every bit counts!
If you have spare egg cartons or surplus homegrown fruit and vegetables, we’d love for you to drop them off at one of our hubs in Pōneke, Pito-one, or Paraparaumu. Check out our website for locations and details.
Fresh, Nutritious, and Accessible
Kaibosh sets its own nutritional targets, aiming for 70% of the rescued kai to be fresh produce. This includes fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs, and dairy—items often most requested by our community partners. These perishables are not only the most nutritious but also the most expensive to purchase and the most likely to go to waste due to their limited shelf life. By rescuing these foods, Kaibosh bridges the gap between surplus and scarcity, ensuring families have access to the quality ingredients they need for good health.
Join the food rescue movement
From food donors to volunteers to community groups, every person plays a vital role in Kaibosh’s food supply chain. Together, we ensure that no food goes to waste and that our community is nourished. Check out our website to find out about ways to get involved, including our Volunteer page.
Kaibosh’s work is a testament to the power of collective action. As the saying goes, He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata! (What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people!)
Support Kaibosh
Want to support our mahi? By becoming a regular donor for as little as $5 a month, you can help Kaibosh continue its vital work. Your support enables us to feed whānau in need while reducing food-related emissions.
Donate today and be part of the change. Together, we can make a difference. 💚