A black and white photo showing a line of The Free Store. Several people are standing near a gate, wearing coats and hats, while a bicycle is parked nearby.

Our Mission

It is a travesty that people in our neighbourhood go hungry when there is perfectly edible food that is wasted. The Free Store ensures that everyone has access to quality food where cost isn't a barrier. Anyone is welcome to partake in the bounty, and to get involved volunteering with us. The Free Store is an inclusive space built on a foundation of belonging, generosity and transformation.

The Free Store Values

  • Light blue circular design with a darker blue triangular segment on the left side.

    Belonging

    An opportunity for people to be a part of the family/community. We believe everyone is a gift and deserves the opportunity to know others and be known.

  • Minimalist pie chart in teal shades

    Generosity

    An attitude that is willing to give and receive even when it's out of our comfort zone. We believe this attitude embodied is what creates & holds spaces where people can belong and participate.

  • A turquoise circle with a thick, light turquoise border on a transparent background.

    Transformation

    An attitude that pursues health. We are discontent with dysfunction and desire to move from spaces of dysfunction to health (systemically, communally and individually).

Group of people painting a converted shipping container white, with one person on a ladder.

Our Beginning

The Free Store was founded in November 2010 after an art project inspired a group of friends. Kim Paton, an artist from out of town, set up a regular-looking shop stocked with food on the shelves. The peculiar difference being that customers could simply take the food for free. The art project came and went within a matter of weeks but a group of Wellingtonians had their brains buzzing. After discovering that some of the food in this shop was surplus food sourced from local cafes they asked, what if this could be a sustainable food supply?

The Free Store first operated out of a surplus retail space on Wellington's iconic Cuba Street. Soon we were asked to move on. With zero money to lease an inner-city commercial space we had to get very creative. We set out to convert a rusty old 20-ft shipping container into a beautiful purpose-built store.

“So long as the marginalised and vulnerable are problems to solve instead of friends to know, our community will remain divided.”

— Benjamin Johnson, Founder

Free Store Statistics

Daily Average (kg) Food Saved Per Day

Type of food collected (2022-2024)

Monthly Totals (kg): Dips & Rises (2024)

FAQs

  • The Free Store is a community-driven initiative that redistributes surplus food from local cafes, bakeries, and restaurants to anyone in need. Our mission is to reduce food waste while fostering connection and dignity within our community.

  • You can find us at 211 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington.

  • We are open for food collection Monday to Friday from 5.45pm until the food runs out. Come along for a cuppa tea and soup from 5.15pm. 

  • Anyone is welcome to collect food from The Free Store, no questions asked. Our focus is on inclusivity and ensuring that everyone has access to free, nutritious food.

  • We collect surplus food from generous local businesses, including cafes, bakeries, catering companies, restaurants, and supermarkets, that would otherwise go to waste.

  • Absolutely. All the food we distribute is carefully checked to ensure it’s safe for consumption. We follow strict food safety guidelines during collection, sorting, and distribution.

  • While our primary focus is food redistribution, we aim to create a space of community and connection. We have two full time community workers employed who are happy to work with you to help you. We have monthly community dinner gatherings, retreats, and other catch-ups. Occasionally, we partner with other organizations to offer workshops, training, and other resources to those in need. 

  • We’re always looking for enthusiastic volunteers! You can sign up to help with food collection, sorting, distribution, or other tasks. Visit our get involved page for more information and to register your interest.

  • Not at all! We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and provide any necessary training. All you need is a willingness to help and a positive attitude.

  • Yes! We accept financial donations through our website to support our operational costs. If you’re a business interested in donating surplus food, please get in touch with us.

  • You can reach us through email at storemanager@thefreestore.org.nz or via our contact page.