Just Zilch - Food Rescue & Free Store

17/06/2026

For 15 years, Just Zilch has only been possible because of volunteers.

So many people have given their time, energy, and care to help rescue food, support our community, and keep things running. From our regular volunteers who show up week after week, to corporate groups, school students, community organisations, and everyone who has quietly lent a hand along the way, you’ve all played a part in this story.

Some people have been with us since the very beginning. Others joined for a short time, a single project, or just dropped in when life allowed. Every single contribution has mattered more than you might realise.

Because of you, we’re able to rescue over 540 tonnes of food every year and support around 500 people every day.

This National Volunteer Week, we just want to say thank you. To everyone who has ever been part of the Just Zilch whānau, whether you’re still with us, were with us years ago, or only helped out once, you’ve helped shape who we are.

You make this possible. And we’re so grateful. ❤️

16/06/2026

⚡ Consumer NZ has launched a petition about electricity pricing and affordability. If this is an issue that matters to you, you can learn more and have your say here:

👉 https://campaigns.consumer.org.nz/end-high-power-prices-now -the-government-power-bills-must-come-down

💡 Consumer NZ also has helpful tips for reducing power costs this winter, including improving home energy efficiency, choosing cost-effective heating options, and checking whether you're on the best power plan for your household.

👉 https://www.consumer.org.nz/home-and-living/home-energy/30-ways-to-make-your-home-more-energy-efficient

Back our four-point plan and help us fight for cheaper power.

15/06/2026

13/06/2026

Wow, we can't believe Just Zilch is 15 already! 🎉

For 15 years, we've been rescuing good food that would otherwise have gone to landfill and sharing it with people in our community. Thanks to the incredible support of our volunteers, food donors, sponsors, partners, and supporters, we've rescued over 4,500 tonnes of food — the equivalent of more than 10 million meals.

We're proud of what we've achieved together and grateful to everyone who has been part of the journey.

Happy 15th birthday, Just Zilch! 🎉💚

13/06/2026

Thanks to a generous grant from Meridian, our new solar panels are up and running! ☀️ They're already helping us reduce power costs, which means more resources can go towards rescuing food and supporting our community.

A big thank you to Meridian for helping make this possible! 💚

11/06/2026

A heartfelt thank you to ’s Tyres for being a long-time Gold Sponsor of Just Zilch! Their support helps us rescue food and help people in our community every day.

Did you know that through Steve’s WOF for a Cause programme, $10 from every WOF goes to a local charity of your choice — including Just Zilch?

So next time your car needs a WOF or service, choose Steve’s and support a business that gives back. 🚗✨

https://stevestyreservice.co.nz/

09/06/2026

🥚 Did you know many eggs can't be sold for reasons that have nothing to do with quality?

We regularly receive rescued eggs from supermarkets, farms, and other generous donors. They might be close to their best-before date, have damaged packaging, contain a cracked egg in the carton, or simply be surplus stock.

Thanks to our generous donors, these eggs find their way to our community instead of going to waste. 💚

Now we're curious...

👉 Do you eat eggs past their best-before date?
👉 How long do you keep them for?
👉 What's your go-to test for checking if they're still good?
👉 And what's your favourite meal to make with eggs? 🍳

Team float test? Team sniff test? Shakshuka? Bacon and eggs? Fried rice? Let us know below! 👇🥚

06/06/2026

A lovely note from a customer that brightened our day. 💜
Thank you for your kind words and support.

05/06/2026

In May alone, Just Zilch rescued 48 tonnes of perfectly good food.

Imagine if all of that had gone to landfill. Instead, it was rescued, shared, and turned into more than 100,000 meal equivalents, helping thousands of people across Palmerston North and the wider region.

Along with food, we also rescued household essentials and food for our furry friends, making sure these valuable resources were available to everyone who needed them.

At Just Zilch, everyone is welcome. No referrals, no means testing, no judgment.

Thank you to everyone who helps make this possible. ❤