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Celebrating our Foodbank NSW & ACT volunteers this
National Volunteer Week
Foodbank NSW & ACT is powered by incredible volunteers who make our work possible. From sorting donated food to packing hampers, our volunteers are the heart and soul of our organisation.
In an average week, we welcome 120 amazing community volunteers to our warehouse. With their help, we distribute approximately 430,000 meals per week to individuals and families in need.
This National Volunteer Week, we are celebrating some of the incredible people who give countless hours to support our mission.
People just like Sue and Jodie, a mother‑daughter duo making a real impact.
Sue has been volunteering with us since December 2019, while Jodie just bypassed her 100 hours milestone. Together, they have contributed 2,300 hours to Foodbank NSW & ACT.
We love seeing families volunteering side‑by‑side, helping us distribute thousands of kilos of food to households who are going without right across NSW and the ACT.
Sue’s advice to anyone thinking about volunteering:
“Just do it! Seven years in and I’m still loving every moment. I volunteer because I want my time to mean something.”
“Mum and I volunteer together, I help with the heavy lifting,” “It’s become our thing; time with Mum that means something. Go for it” Volunteer, Foodbank NSW & ACT Jodie
At Foodbank NSW & ACT, we are lucky to have volunteers who have stood by us for years. Maree is just one of the volunteers who has been with us for over five years, volunteering more than 850 hours.
Her commitment really does make a difference to the one in three households struggling right now, helping us get essential food and groceries to people doing it tough every day.
Volunteering isn’t new to Maree - she has spent more than 30 years as a volunteer and advocate. In 2020, she received the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to global poverty eradication.
“What keeps me coming back?” “I really believe in Foodbank’s philosophy of helping people in need. I also believe in minimising food waste, and I see that all the time here.
“I love interacting with the agencies that come in and learning a bit about what they do.
“But I also have made some very good friends here and we enjoy our chats at morning tea.” Volunteer, Foodbank NSW & ACT Maree
Maddox, one of our youngest volunteers, has already contributed over 250 hours of his time. He is also our 2026 Junior Volunteer of the Year. He first came along with his mum, Sharon, joining her corporate team for a Christmas hamper‑packing day.
He is now a regular community volunteer, coming in three times a week to help those in need across the state and territory.
He’s always looking for something to do and is a real team player, often jumping at the chance to train new volunteers. Maddox often volunteers for extra shifts or stays late, showing flexibility and genuine care for our community.
“I enjoy getting to meet new people and getting to know what they do other than volunteer at Foodbank, and hopefully it will give me a chance to get another job,” “The reason I keep coming back is that it helped me build confidence. “It’s a great chance to meet people and get more experience for the future. It’s also great to help the community.” Volunteer, Foodbank NSW & ACT Maddox
To all our volunteers, thank you for being our superheroes and joining us on our mission to end hunger in our communities.
You inspire us every single day.
Happy National Volunteer Week!