The Free Store
The Free Store serves people from all walks of life including the homeless, low-income, students, unemployed, refugee families, mental health service users, elderly and those between jobs. Everyone is welcome at The Free Store, and invited to participate by both receiving and contributing to the life of our local community.
Our Mission:
The Free Store redistributes quality surplus food from over 62 eateries in Pōneke (Wellington) to anyone. We are a community of people from all walks of life who gather around this surplus kai (food) and become friends & family.
Volunteer with us
Collect surplus food from Wellington eateries on trolleys and return it to The Free Store for redistribution. Weekday afternoons, casual commitment.
Drive The Free Store’s van across Wellington to collect surplus food from eateries for redistribution. Mon–Fri, 1:30–5 pm. Full licence needed.
Accompany the driver on food collection runs across Wellington, packing and loading surplus food efficiently. Mon–Fri, 1:30–5 pm.
Wash and dry dishes and containers at The Free Store after the day’s food service. Mon–Fri, 5–6 pm.