Taranaki food rescue charity On The House, will open its newest Free Store in Stratford on Wednesday 5 November, giving local people access to good food that would otherwise go to waste.
Since starting back in 2017 with just 85 food items and 13 customers, On The House has grown into a regional food rescue network. The team collects surplus food from supermarkets, growers, cafes, caterers and food producers, keeping it out of landfill and redistributing it to those who need it.
During the 2024/25 year, On The House distributed over 240,000 kilos of surplus food, preventing emissions equivalent to 727 tonnes of CO₂ and saving 154 million litres of water from the food production cycle. That food was shared with more than 65 charities, including 12 foodbanks, and through On The House’s own pop-up Free Stores, which served 13,000 households. More than 120 volunteers generously gave over 7,500 hours of their time, all guided by manaakitanga principles.
The new Stratford Free Store is the organisation’s fourth pop-up location, bringing On The House’s environmental and community impact model to Central and South Taranaki. Demand for food support is rising across Aotearoa, General Manager Terry Hancock explains: “Every month, more than half a million Kiwis are turning to food banks, but there isn’t enough donated food to meet the need. By rescuing and redistributing food that would otherwise go to landfill, we can help bridge that gap – while also caring for our environment and our people.”
The Stratford Free Store has been made possible through the collective efforts of local partners and community support. This includes a grant from the Stratford District Council’s Waste Levy Fund, sponsorship from Matahio Energy, as well as venue support from the Stratford Salvation Army, food supply commitments from local supermarkets, and endorsement from local foodbanks and the Stratford Business Association.
“We’re excited to see On The House come to Stratford,” says John Cooper, SDC Services Manager. “Reducing the amount of food waste going to landfill while supporting people in our community with fresh food is a great service, and we’re pleased to be able to support them as they get started.” Hancock says the Free Store is about much more than just food: “It’s about dignity, connection, and creating a welcoming space where everyone feels seen and valued. When we rescue and distribute food, we’re not just filling pantries, we’re building a more sustainable and caring community.”
