Kairos Free Store
Kairos began as a vision of distributing rescued cafe food directly to people who need it. While Kairos Food Rescue and its mission has evolved since then, the original vision is kept alive through Kairos Free Store.
Opening hours:
Mondays and Fridays, from 5:30-6:30pm
Doors open from 4:30pm
Free showers and laundry with Orange Sky from 4:30pm
Free Store Lite* Wednesday from 4:30-5:30pm
Closed public holidays
Location: 284 Tuam Street
*Free Store Lite is a simplified version of the Free Store. Food will be made available at the door at 284 Tuam Street, but the roller doors and community area will remain closed. This allows us to operate on nights when we may have fewer volunteers available.
FAQs
Is there criteria for getting food?
No. Anyone can come and get food.
Do I need to register?
No. Just arrive at our warehouse by our opening times.
Is there parking?
Our warehouse is located in the Christchurch CBD at 284 Tuam Street, directly across from the new stadium building site. There is no free parking in the immediate area. There are a few public carparks within a few blocks. We recommend taking public transport.
How does it work?
When you arrive, you will be given a number for your place in the queue. It usually pays to get there early as it is first in, first served. After you are given your number, you can enjoy a free coffee or tea and wait at one of our tables and have a chat with our volunteers or other visitors. At 5:30pm, the Free Store will open and you’ll go through the queue according to the number you were given. You will be able to choose items from whatever we have in stock. When you have finished, your selections will be weighed for our records. There is no charge for anything you take.
What sort of things will you have in stock?
It varies from week to week, depending on what’s been donated. We’ll have to ready-to-eat food that has been picked up from local cafes and restaurants. You will usually find fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, eggs, and a limited supply of pantry and dairy items. Sometimes we may have some meat or pet food. On occasion we may have non-food items like soap or baby supplies, but these are less common as they have longer shelf lives.
What is Orange Sky?
Orange Sky is an organisation that provides free shower and laundry facilities. Kairos Food Rescue is pleased to have been able to create a permanent space for Orange Sky to offer their services to our visitors during Friday night Free Store times. You are welcome to come to our warehouse from 4:30pm on Friday Free Store nights to have a shower or wash your laundry free of charge.