Turning food waste into a force for good: How a Monash alum is serving up change

SecondBite founder Ian Carson has dedicated his career to fighting food waste and putting humanity back on the menu. Now, the Monash Business School alum is helping a new generation of entrepreneurs make a real impact on society.

Every year, Australia discards $8 billion worth of food.

Not spoiled food unfit for consumption, but perfectly edible, nutritious produce.

Millions of apples discarded for a few blemishes. Acres of bananas left to rot because they don’t quite curve the right way. Whole crops of fresh produce ploughed back into the earth due to oversupply.

SecondBite was founded by Ian and
Simone Carson in 2005.

Meanwhile, nearly four million Australians - almost 20 per cent of the population – struggle to afford their next meal.
It's waste on a massive scale, and for Monash alum Ian Carson and his wife Simone, it was a call to action.

“We knew food was being wasted, but when we looked into it, we couldn’t believe the scale of the problem,” Mr Carson said.

“It’s easy to blame the supermarkets, but it’s really us, the consumers.”

And so, in 2005, the pair co-founded SecondBite - a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to rescuing food from supermarkets, farmers, and food suppliers.

From leftovers to lifeline

SecondBite began with just three volunteers and a clear mission: rescue good food and get it to those who need it most.

In their first year, the SecondBite team salvaged around 600 kg of food for local charities - a modest but impactful start.

Then came the breakthrough that would change everything.

“Something transformational happened,” Mr Carson said. “The workers at Coles, seeing the sheer volume of food they were throwing away every day, raised their concerns with management. Coles listened.”

This pivotal partnership with Coles would set a new standard in the industry and launch a nationwide food rescue movement.

“Food waste and rescue is now part of Coles’ business model, and other supermarkets are also acting,” he said.
Today, SecondBite is one of Australia’s leading food rescue organisations, working with more than 1,100 community agencies and saving enough food to create more than 350 million meals.

A recent merger with FareShare, another food rescue organisation, is set to streamline operations and increase options for agencies that depend on rescued food.

Next, SecondBite has set its sights on sourcing more produce from Australian growers and reaching even the remotest communities.

“It’s a need that never stops,” Mr Carson said.

Business as a force for good

Mr Carson has woven a deep commitment to social impact into every chapter of his career.

He has backed causes ranging from securing financial settlements for Thalidomide victims, to supporting disadvantaged youth through the Boykett Tallship Fund.

He even stepped in to save the Amy Gillett Foundation, a road safety charity, from liquidation.

At the heart of his approach is a belief that business can be a catalyst for social change.

“Business can make the difference,” he said. “Individuals, when they take action, can really drive impact.”

Today, he champions this philosophy through his work at Tanarra Restructuring Partners (TRP), where he leads a $400 million fund aimed at reviving distressed businesses.

“We’re investing to save jobs and companies and deliver returns to investors,” he said.

TRP is also investing in the future by dedicating 10 per cent of all profits to supporting social entrepreneurs.

“We are creating a centre for social entrepreneurs to empower hundreds of changemakers to solve important problems,” he said.

“The lesson from SecondBite is clear: individuals can change society.”

‘It’s an incredible gift’

For the past five years, Mr Carson has served as President of the Victorian Arts Centre Trust – a role he describes as an honour and an opportunity to give back.
“It’s an incredible privilege to be involved in such a significant part of Victoria, Australia, and the creative sector,” he said.

He views the performing arts as a deeply creative and vital space.

“It’s dynamic, inspiring, and brings people together in meaningful ways. To play a small part in supporting that is something I truly value,” he said.

He is particularly passionate about supporting emerging artists and expanding access to the arts for all.

“Helping bring creative performances to people who might not otherwise have access is a way of creating joy and inspiration, even in challenging times,” he said.

“It’s an incredible gift to be able to help in even a small way.”

Lessons for future leaders

Mr Carson credits Monash University for sparking his drive to create change.

He recalls a lively campus, buzzing with big ideas and tough debates, where activism was a core part of student life.

“Monash was a hotbed of activism in my day,” he said. “Monash continues to produce great leaders and be the place to create change in society.”

Although he describes himself as an “average student,” Monash ignited his confidence and gave him the skills to take on ambitious projects.

“University life taught me to connect with people from around the world, share ideas, and turn those ideas into action,” he said.

“Monash gave me the confidence and many of the skills to create food rescue at scale by starting SecondBite.”

His advice for current students combines practical insight with a clear call to action:

1: Start now: “So many people never start - the first step is hard but essential.”

2: Collaborate: “Surround yourself with good people - many of us at SecondBite were Monash alumni.”

3: Research and plan: “Research the problem you want to solve, create a business plan, and be clear about your mission.”

4: Innovate continually: “Stay adaptable; fresh ideas drive impact.”

5: Be persistent: “Persistence, of all the attributes, is a key determining factor.”

The power of optimism: A final word

Unapologetically optimistic, Mr Carson views his career as proof that individuals have the power to drive real change in the world.

“I feel empowered and invigorated that people can make an enormous difference to the world, and I believe almost anything is possible if people put their energy towards a goal,” he said.

“Life is short. We don’t have time to waste.”

Learn more about SecondBite