FOODBANK TO OPEN ALICE SPRINGS FOOD HUB TO SUPPORT LONG TERM FOOD SECURITY IN THE REGION

The Alice Springs Food Hub is set to help those struggling to put food on the table in Alice Springs.  Foodbank has been serving the Alice Springs community with ad hoc food relief for more than 10 years. Working with local agencies we know that the Foodbank Food Hub will work to support the long-term food security of those in the region.

The Foodbank Food Hub will assist the growing number of families in Alice Springs who are struggling to put food on the table. Foodbank will officially open the Alice Springs Food Hub in mid to late 2021.

The Foodbank Food Hub will enable Foodbank to distribute up to an additional 250,000 kg for those in need in the region in the first 12 months of operation, equivalent to an additional 500,000 meals for families in need, and this will increase further in the second year.

Foodbank Food Hub will allow low income families a place to access items at an affordable price. The Alice Springs Food Hub will enable agencies to refer their clients who are in need of food relief, reducing the burden placed on agencies caused by the rising level of need. Importantly it will provide a dignified shopping experience for those experiencing food insecurity.

“The need for the Alice Springs has been highlighted with the sheer increase of need in the area, we have seen a growth in the requirement for our services via the agencies over several years,” said Greg Pattinson, CEO, Foodbank South Australia.

“The impact of food insecurity is diverse in Australia, ranging from children to older people, and statistics show that 5 million Australians have experienced food insecurity in the last 12 months. We know that the Alice Springs community is in need of this support. Further highlighted by the increase in need in the region”

“We have commenced consulting with community, elders, ministers, the business community and other charities. Foodbank are friends of all and we understand we can’t solve all issues but we can provide food relief to enable those that may go without the ability to fight another day.”

“The Foodbank Food Hub is set up like a general store where those in need can have a dignified shopping experience and purchase items at a significantly reduced cost. What might cost $240 in a supermarket may only cost $30 through a Foodbank Food Hub, with all fruit and vegetables free of charge.”

The opening of the Foodbank Alice Springs Food Hub will also enable the delivery of nutritional education. These sessions will provide basic cooking and nutrition information to families.

“There’s a focus on healthy food items including affordable recipe packs and readymade meals. Cooking classes and food education will also be offered on site,” Mr Pattinson said. 

Newmont Australia Regional Senior Vice President Alex Bates said “As one of Newmont Tanami’s host communities, we know that COVID has amplified the existing challenge of having regular access to affordable supplies of fresh produce and meat for people in and around Alice Springs. We are proud to partner with Foodbank South Australia as the foundation donor of the Alice Springs Food Hub to improve the availability of affordable, quality food for those most in need.”

Group Executive, Legal, Sustainability and External Relations Andrew Kennedy said “We are also very pleased that this donation will allow Foodbank SA and its partners to reach communities outside of Alice Springs, where we understand that food quality and affordability remains an issue. Our long term engagements with local communities has identified this as an issue, and we are confident that our donation will assist Foodbank to develop the capacity of local communities to improve food availability.”

Jessica Wishart, CEO,  Kere to Country will also work with Foodbank in a joint mission to support food security in the region.

“Kere to Country are excited to be working with Foodbank, fundamentally we share the same mission. Food insecurity is a massive issue in our communities , particularly remote Aboriginal Communities. Kere to Country look forward to working with Foodbank in this space , ensuring accessibility and culturally appropriate service delivery for all.”

“We understand the benefits that come with having access to affordable quality food for our families in need, and know that Foodbank will be a very welcomed and  crucial service for our community.” said Jessica.

For further information, please contact the Alice Springs Food Hub (08) 8952 7707

For media enquiries, please email sarahd@foodbanksa.org.au.

To donate to Foodbank, please click here.