The food rescue group OzHarvest Coffs Harbour has delivered the equivalent of nearly 24,000 meals to people in the Coffs Harbour and Mid North Coast region following the major flooding in May 2025.
Volunteers collected 8,000 kg of surplus food from local supermarkets, cafes and wholesalers in a 30-day period following the May floods to support families living on Gumbaynggirr Country. This work helps ensure that good food goes to people in need rather than ending up in landfill.
Talez Santiago, Food Rescue Coordinator for Newcastle, Central Coast, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour, said the recent floods caused road closures and supply issues that left many families and elderly residents without enough fresh produce. Local charities have seen demand for food relief rise by about 30% as the community recovers from the storm damage.
To keep up with this demand, the charity is calling for more volunteers — including van drivers and co-drivers — to join its “Yellow Army.” The organisation relies on local people to help transport groceries from donors to those who need them most.
These teams use refrigerated vans through the Regional REAP food rescue program to deliver food to schools and more than 30 local charities across the Coffs Harbour region, including Sawtell and Woolgoolga. Residents who want to help or who need support can connect with OzHarvest Coffs Harbour or the Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre.
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