Our history
FareShare began as the shared vision of a broad group of individuals, back in 2001.
Steven Kolt, a Jewish Aid Australia member, knew of the work of City Harvest, an organization that rescues food for the needy of New York City. And so “Melbourne City Harvest” began in mid 2001, rescuing food that would otherwise be wasted. Prepared meals were collected from function halls and catering venues about six times a month.
Meanwhile, a group called “One Umbrella”, which included Guido Pozzebon, Claire Nikakis, Francisco Valles, Lesley Ibanez, Dig Bortolin and Fernando Ibanez had also begun rescuing food. With the support of the RACV Foundation, the group cooked nutritious pies in the Club’s kitchen.
By late 2001, these two groups decided to merge, and with funding from JAA, a full time manager was employed. At this time, the Pratt Foundation became a founding sponsor and Carol Nikakis led the organisation's effort to rescue more food and help more agencies.
Milestones in the ensuing years include:
- Successfully lobbying for the enactment of the first Australian Good Samaritan Law in 2001
- Purchasing our first refrigerated van for food transport in 2002
- Employing a part time Food Production Manager, Julien Jane in 2003
- Establishing a relationship with Hanover Welfare Services in South Melbourne for permanent access to and use of their commercial kitchen in 2003
- Moving into our own purpose-built kitchen in May 2008
- Growing from giving away 22,000 meals in 2001, to over one million meals in 2010
- Securing a new building in Abbotsford for two new kitchens
