Nourishing Communities, Changing Lives
In the heart of Ngāmotu, New Plymouth, On The House stands as a beacon of hope and solidarity. What began as a small initiative in 2017 has grown into a powerful force for good, thanks to the unwavering support of the community and funding from Toi Foundation.
Terry Hancock, General Manager of On The House, sums up their mission simply: “Reduce food waste, feed those in need, and foster community through connection and participation.”
The stark contrast between food waste and food insecurity drove On The House into action. “So many resources go into producing, packaging, and distributing food, only for much of it to end up in landfills or as animal feed while still perfectly edible. It’s nonsensical,” says Hancock.
From the beginning, the vision was clear—to expand their reach and impact—but achieving that required funding and strong infrastructure. Becoming a registered charity was a turning point, enabling partnerships with supermarkets and the development of a fully equipped food depot. Now, with a commercial chiller and freezer, an electric van, and a dedicated team, the organisation operates at a scale they once only dreamed of.
What started as a small free-food shop with 85 donated food items has transformed into a vital community service. Last financial year, 181,720kg of food was distributed to community groups, food banks, and more than 10,000 households through twice-weekly pop-up free stores.
At the heart of On The House is its volunteer community. More than 100 volunteers give their time to set up and run food stores and manage the food depot. Beyond logistics, they create a welcoming, inclusive space, where kindness, compassion, and respect shape every interaction.
The impact extends far beyond food. On The House is a place of belonging, free from religious or political affiliations, where everyone is welcomed without judgement. Friendships form, connections grow, and the power of community is felt in every interaction.
Toi Foundation funding plays a crucial role, helping sustain operations and expand On The House’s reach, ensuring more people across the community have access to food and support.
To learn more or join their mission, visit https://onthehouse.org.nz/