Project Local: Fighting Food Waste

Project Local: Fighting food-waste with Gabbi

At Volare, minimizing food waste has always been a priority. In the past, we’ve worked closely with organizations like Kaivolution, redistributing leftover bread and pastries to those in need. However, when Covid restrictions made these efforts more challenging, we had to rethink our approach. That’s when we reconnected with Gabbi, our former delivery driver and all-around superstar, who has taken it upon herself to ensure our surplus stock gets into the hands of people who need it most.

Gabbi’s history with Volare runs deep. She was one of our first delivery drivers and her dedication to the community began when she moved to care for her father. Since then, she’s worn many hats – including organising charitable initiatives – and now, she’s making regular rounds to deliver our leftover bread to local communities.

Currently working for Custom Care Nursing, Gabbi visits people in their homes to support them during recovery. “I’m already on the road, and some days I only have a few hours of visits,” she explains. “Being able to do something for the local community makes my day feel fuller and more meaningful.”

Every day, Gabbi collects Volare’s leftover bread and pastries and delivers them throughout Hamilton and surrounding areas and then back up to Te Kauwhata where she lives. It’s more than just a job—it’s her way of giving back. “People are really struggling out there,” she says. “It fills my time beautifully, knowing that I’m helping people in need.”

One of her regular stops is the Te Kauwhata Community Centre, where her contributions have been warmly embraced. Nicky, the Centre's manager, shared how much the deliveries mean to their community: “Gabbi is extremely thoughtful. If it’s raining, she’ll wait; she comes a couple of times a week and makes sure to time it perfectly when the kids are getting picked up from school. The bread goes straight into our Pātaka Kai pantry, and it’s a lifeline for many—‘take what you need and leave what you can.’ It’s truly appreciated by everyone here.”

Gabbi’s deliveries have touched the lives of many, from a woman raising her grandchildren to a man in Dinsdale who took in his young grandchildren after their parents passed away. “I bring them bread every chance I get,” Gabbi shares. “I also know a man who delivers two boxes of bread to a local school, where teachers hand it out to kids who don’t have lunches. There are so many families out there raising children that aren’t their own.”

Her rounds don’t stop there. Gabbi also introduced Volare to a pastor who picks up bread and distributes it to community centers in Ngaruawahia and Huntly. Every person she meets and every stop she makes highlights just how far a simple loaf of bread can go in bringing people together and supporting those in need.

We’re incredibly proud of Gabbi and her tireless efforts to reduce waste and give back. She’s truly an angel in our community, and we’re grateful to have her as part of the Volare family.

Stay tuned for more stories from the people and organizations making a difference in the community.