It has been another huge Christmas for the team at OzHarvest Central Coast and Lake Macquarie, with over 11 tonnes of delicious, nutritious food saved from landfill and instead used to put meals on the tables of hundreds of families.

OzHarvest launched a second food rescue vehicle in the region in November, through a grant of $90,000 from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.

The team quickly found their stride leading into Christmas, traditionally the busiest time of the year for OzHarvest across Australia.

Chair of Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, Jennifer Leslie said the efforts of OzHarvest and their team of volunteers made a massive difference to ensure thousands of people during this holiday period.

“The new vehicle has only done 12 shifts but has already rescued and donated 11,370 kilograms of food, which is such a help and a tremendous show of holiday spirit,” Jennifer said.

“This food made a direct and tangible difference and equates to 22,740 meals, helping to ensure a more fulfilling, nutritious Christmas.

“I was privileged to spend an afternoon with OzHarvest in December and experienced first-hand what a difference their work makes, both in terms of the people they help feed and the food rescued from ending up in landfill.”

OzHarvest’s Newcastle and Central Coast Manager, Richard Stark said the second van has already made a huge difference.

“We are so grateful to Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation for this funding,” Richard said.

“With people in our community doing it tough during the Christmas period, the second vehicle helps us cover much more ground and helps us get that rescued food to more families.”

It has been a huge year for OzHarvest across Australia, with more than 11 million kilograms of food rescued, helping to serve over 30 million meals.

IMAGE | Astrid Michaelson (OzHarvest), Paul Robertson (OzHarvest), Jennifer Leslie (NPCF chair), Jane Gray (NPCF).