The Free Store
We freely redistribute fresh surplus food from Wellington's eateries directly to those in need of it. Everyone is welcome.
How does it work?
Show up
Everyone is welcome, no questions asked! We’re open weekdays from 5:15pm.
Join the queue
We serve tea, coffee and soup from 5:15pm. At 5:45pm we open the store.
Receive food
You will always receive something, depending on our stock the quantity might change.
Our impact
60+
Suppliers contributing
Cafes, bakeries, restaurants and caterers donating their surplus food each day.
42,000 kgs
Food saved from landfill in 2024
Saving about 126,000 kgs of carbon emissions, and 26.7 million litres of water.
100+
People served each day
The Free Store serve people from all walks of life, all are welcome.