The OzHarvest Market, a pop up marketplace, is Australia’s first rescued food supermarket. Established by the non-profit organization, OzHarvest, the market’s aim is to reduce the amount of food that goes to waste. Their market is based on the philosophy: ‘take what you need, give if you can’.

Supermarkets, restaurants, food distributors as well as individuals donate products to OzHarvest Market. OzHarvest Market rescues food that cannot be sold by food retailers and supermarkets due to being past its display by date however, the food is still fresh to eat. The products, which are surplus for a range of reasons, cannot only be redistributed but also available to those who need them most.

OzHarvest Market has a diverse range of products and is able to satisfy everyone’s healthy lifestyle. Interestingly, the market does not have any cashiers as you can choose the items you need and pay whatever you wish, depending on your individual income. People can pay less or choose not to pay if they cannot afford it.

“So the food we have in the OzHarvest market is completely safe for consumption. Our drive is when they collect the food, trained in food safety standards in which they then make the decision around whether the food is still suitable for consumption. Some foods are outside of best before, but they are still safe for consumption. And other food have significantly long dates on them,” said Alicia Keman, the manager of OzHarvest Market.

“They rescued so much food as well, which is really great for the environment. And they also help people who don’t have the financial capacity to buy a lot of food,” said Louise Lee, one of OzHarvest market’s volunteers.

“It’s a really welcoming scenario, so you just add what you want to add” said Jenny Brown, one of OzHarvest Market’s customers.

All donations from the OzHarvest Market will help OzHarvest feed more people in need!

OZ Encounter is a video program produced by People’s Daily Online with introductions and comprehensive information on Australia’s tourism, food, leisure culture, news etc. The program brings information on beautiful views and delicious food around Australia, lead audience to experience the unique landscape and cultural glamour of Australia with micro-video. 

Watch the video: OZ Encounter: An inside look into Australia's first supermarket with no price tags