Since 2002, FareShare, formerly One Umbrella, has been collecting quality food from Melbourne businesses such as growers, manufacturers, wholesale markets, caterers, retailers and hospitality schools. They transform this food into healthy, nutritious meals in their own kitchen, and provide meals free-of-charge to over 100 community service organisations. They also redistribute a large quantity of uncooked food directly to local charities.

In 2008 FareShare rescued 280 tonnes of food from 80 businesses, and 1,000 volunteers helped make and give away 560,000 meals. As a result of a significant increase in demand for emergency food relief, they recently moved into a new kitchen with a far greater production capacity. Regular food donations from industry are needed to help keep up with the demand from soup vans, homeless shelters, school breakfast programs and support groups for single mothers. With the passion and commitment of staff, volunteers and supporters, FareShare aims to give away one million meals to Melbourne's hungry and homeless each year.

"The waste reduction associated with our large-scale food recovery program has significant benefits for the environment", according to CEO Marcus Godinho. "We estimate that for every kilogram of food that is recovered, FareShare saves 56 litres of water. FareShare's food recovery activities in 2008-09 are also expected to save 620 tonnes of greenhouse gases - the equivalent to switching off 953 refrigerators a year."

To donate to FareShare click here.

For more information on FareShare visit www.fareshare.net.au