This is something OzHarvest founding director Ronni Kahn set out to rectify when she launched the charity in 2004. Disillusioned with the daily food wastage occurring within the hospitality industry, Ronni set out to rescue excess food from cafes, restaurants, supermarkets and function centres and redistribute it to vulnerable members of the community. Originally established in Sydney, OzHarvest set down roots in Brisbane in 2011 under the support of Wesley Mission. The Brisbane branch has rescued more than 151 tonnes of food and delivered around 450,000 meals to more than 50 charities, homeless shelters, community programs and street vans across the city.

Now Brisbane locals can do their bit in the most enjoyable way possible – by sitting down to a four-course fundraising dinner on Tuesday July 30 in the chic surrounds of ARIA Brisbane. Chef Matt Moran will embrace the OzHarvest spirit to craft a special ‘Waste Not, Want Not’ menu using excess produce sourced from some of Brisbane’s most respected suppliers and match them to wines from Veuve Clicquot and the Robert Oatley Signature Series. Ronni will share the inspirational story behind OzHarvest and The OzHarvest Cookbook will also be available for purchase. From every ticket sold, a donation will be given to OzHarvest to provide 25 meals to people in need. Bookings can be made through ARIA.