OzHarvest is a nationwide food rescue organisation which collects surplus food from providers and delivers it, direct and free of charge, to more than 900 charities to feed people in need.

The charity has been running in Newcastle for seven years. In that time Ms Maguire, the regional manager, said over 1.3 million kilograms of surplus food had been saved from landfill and redistributed.

“It’s a massive amount of food and to think that if we didn’t pick it up it would’ve just gone in the bin; that’s what’s really good about it, that it prevents a lot of waste and people are eating it as well,” Ms Maguire said.

“Our yellow vans work five days a week to collect and deliver quality excess food to charities, schools and community groups to help those most at risk.”

She credited the ongoing support of nib Foundation, whose recent $50,000 community grant will enable OzHarvest to increase its efficiency, expand its reach to at least 10 more charitable agencies and also respond to more ad-hoc calls from the community.

The four millionth meal was received by Merewether Community Kitchen, an agency that transforms surplus produce into delicious meals for local men, women and children in need.

Merewether Community Kitchen coordinator Jennifer Burns said the food agency was thankful to receive ongoing support from OzHarvest.

“We have received weekly deliveries of donated food from OzHarvest since 2010 which enables us to produce a three-course meal for free to feed 80-plus people in need, including unaccompanied teenagers, the homeless and young families.” Ms Burns said.

More information at www.ozharvest.org.