‘Tis the season of giving! Whether you have a few hours or a few days to spare this festive period, your time and effort is one of the most valuable gifts you can share with our community. There are so many incredible local organisations who would love your help in creating real change and reaching people who need it. From rescuing food that would otherwise go to waste to cultivating fresh produce in our region, or cooking a meal for someone who’d otherwise go hungry.
Ready to discover where your helping hands could make the biggest difference? We’ve got you! Here’s eight food organisations you can volunteer at this festive season.
Food Recovery
OzHarvest
You’ve most likely seen this iconic yellow van on the road before. As an OzHarvest volunteer, you’ll be out in the community from day one, rescuing edible food that would otherwise go to waste and helping deliver and redistribute it to organisations who reach those who need it most.
With weekday shifts available, your summer work break is the perfect time to volunteer with this crew!
Food Relief & Community Support
Need A Feed
This festive season, Need a Feed needs extra hands to help create their special holiday gatherings and support their emergency food relief efforts. Whether you’re helping pack food packages for families in need, serving at their weekly community lunches in Bulli, or joining their early morning breakky meet-ups, you’ll be part of turning everyday meals into meaningful moments. Get in touch here.
Warrawong Residents Forum
According to last year’s Voice of Warrawong Forum, 73% of Warrawong locals reported running out of food last year. At Warrawong Residents Forum, you’ll be part of a small but mighty team serving up warm community lunches, packing grocery bags and, in the lead-up to Christmas, spreading some cheer packing holiday hampers for local families. Reach out to enquire about current volunteer opportunities.
Lighthouse Kitchen
At Lighthouse Community Kitchen, every Tuesday and Thursday evening, this pop-up restaurant serves up free two-course meals alongside access to services like healthcare and laundry facilities. You’ll be part of a dedicated volunteer team helping create a welcoming space where everyone is valued. But get in quick, their last Christmas meal for the year is scheduled for 19th December! To help out again in the new year jump over to their volunteer page.
Food Relief & Essential Aid
Wollongong Homeless Hub & Housing Services
At Wollongong Homeless Hub, volunteers are the force that keeps everything moving – sorting food donations, delivering supplies, helping at events, and even tending to gardens, helping out across any area needs it.
“Volunteers are vital to our organisation and your efforts will help support families and individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.”
Register your interest here.
Vinnies Van
Join Vinnies Van as they travel across Wollongong with hot meals, fresh food, and essential supplies. Their non-judgmental service provides more than just food – it offers dignity and compassion to people doing it tough. As a volunteer, you’ll help reach out to those experiencing homelessness and social isolation across our community.
Local Food & Community
Flame Tree Co-op
Love food that’s good for both people and the planet? Flame Tree Co-op is a friendly neighborhood store run by and for the community. As a volunteer, you’ll help create a welcoming space where people can shop for local, sustainable food without the unnecessary packaging. It’s a great way to meet like-minded folks while making good food more accessible to everyone.
Growing Food & Social Change
Green Connect
Join Green Connect at their Warrawong farm to help tend to chemical-free vegetable beds, work on bush regeneration or, if outdoor work isn’t your thing, support their Port Kembla office with admin tasks. You’ll be working alongside former refugees and young people who are building careers in sustainable farming, while learning about growing food in our region.
Ready to dig in? Learn more about volunteering on the farm.
Ho-ho-hoe into the rest of our fair food volunteer opportunities in our directory here.
