Justin Dowling is Foodbank’s Hunger Hero for 2020

9th July 2020

In 2019, Woolworths increased donations to Foodbank by 50%, largely thanks to Justin Dowling, Woolworths Group’s General Manager – National Operations & Shared Services, who on Wednesday night received the 2020 Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) Foodbank Hunger Hero Award.

“It’s been a real privilege over the last few years to work closely with Foodbank and further build on the strong partnership that Woolworths and Foodbank have had together for the last 18 years,” said Justin as he accepted the award.

The Award recognises a person or team who has gone above and beyond to tackle food insecurity in Australia and Justin has done just that, fortifying the Woolworths – Foodbank partnership through food donations, transport support and team engagement.

Food Donations

With Justin leading the charge, Woolworths’ supply chain team reduced stock loss by 36% and stock to landfill by 5% and grew donations to Foodbank by massive 50% last year. It was thanks to these efforts that Woolworths became Foodbank’s biggest donor in 2019 with a total of 1.6 million kilograms of product donated.

Not only was this a great achievement in the fight against hunger in Australia, but also for Woolworths as a business, and the environment. As Justin explained, “It’s about us making sure we’re using the food and our resources in the best way we can.”

Transport

Justin’s support for Foodbank goes back many years, and in 2018 he pioneered the Foodbank – Woolworths Primary Connect initiative. This program leverages spare capacity in Woolworths’ national transport network to move essential food relief donations to where they are needed most.

As a result, Woolworths is also one of Foodbank’s biggest pro-bono transport providers, delivering more than $500,000 worth of transport support each year.

Team engagement

Justin has worked innovatively with Foodbank to further engage distribution centre (DC) team members in the donation process, without whom none of these successes would have been possible.

Bright purple Foodbank zones have been set up in DCs as collection points for donated product, serving as an eye-catching reminder to team members of the donation opportunity.

Sites now also compete to be the annual Woolworths Foodbank DC of the Year by achieving the highest donation conversion rate on the Foodbank DC League Table. This was implemented alongside strategic signage that enables each site to track their donations vs stock sent to landfill throughout the year.

 

The Foodbank team are incredibly grateful for the work Justin has done at Woolworths to champion the fight against hunger and provide food relief to Australians in need. As Justin highlights, “Our relationship is not just built on food donations and transport, it’s built on our values. We care deeply about vulnerable Australians and we are passionate about sustainability within our community.”

Michael Davidson, Foodbank Australia’s General Manager – National Supply Chain (left), and Daniel Parsons-Jones, Foodbank Victoria’s Food Donor Coordinator (right), present the AIFST Foodbank Hunger Hero Award to Justin Dowling, Woolworths Group’s General Manager – National Operations & Shared Services (centre).

 

Woolworths and Foodbank team members celebrate the new purple Foodbank Zone at the Woolworths Melbourne Distribution Centre.

KFC AUSTRALIA AND YUM! BRANDS FOUNDATION DONATE $160,000 TO FOODBANK AUSTRALIA

SYDNEY, Australia – 26th May 2020: In direct response to COVID-19, Yum! Brands Foundation has announced it will be donating $160,000 to Foodbank Australia. The donation is an extension of KFC Australia’s (part of Yum! Brands Subsidiary) 15-year partnership with Foodbank Australia.

Food scarcity is an issue in Australia that has only been made worse since the outbreak of COVID-19. In this current climate, Foodbank Australia has already seen a 48 per cent increase in demand for food relief across its network, however supplies are down by 27 per cent. The donation from the Yum! Brands Foundation will support Foodbank Australia to feed those in need, by providing over 320,000 meals.

Michael Clark, Supply Chain Officer, KFC Australia said: “Now more than ever we need to support each other, especially as some are doing it tougher than others. KFC wanted to show its support by helping those who have been hit hardest, ensuring they don’t have to worry about their next meal for the foreseeable future.”

“Our mission is to feed those less fortunate in the community, and in this current climate never before has this been so important. We’re proud to continue supporting Foodbank and all that they do for Australians and are even prouder to have supported them in our 15-year strong partnership.”

In 2019, KFC supported Foodbank by donating over 14,300 meals to people across the country in need. In 2020 and beyond, KFC Australia will continue to aid Foodbank by helping with the distribution of excess food from its Restaurants to distribution centres across the country, as well as food shelters to feed those who are hungry and in need.

Foodbank Australia’s chief executive, Brianna Casey, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact across the country, with many Australian’s now having to rely on food relief for the first time.”

“We are so grateful for KFC Australia and the Yum! Brands Foundation sizeable donation and long-term support over the past 15 years. This donation will help thousands of families and individuals in our communities who are doing it tough right now.”

“KFC Australia has been a long time supporter of Foodbank, calling on all of their supply chain to join in the fight against food hunger by becoming national donors.”

KFC Australia and Yum! Brands Foundation thanks all Australians for helping to look after those in need during these uncertain times. For anyone that is looking to support Foodbank Australia, please visit their website or information and details on how to donate: www.foodbank.org.au

Unilever donates $1 million worth of hand sanitiser to Foodbank

Unilever Australia & New Zealand (ANZ) will start producing hand sanitiser locally as it redirects existing deodorant production facilities to help meet national demand and help in the fight against COVID-19.

To ensure Australians and New Zealanders in need have access to this highly sought-after product, Unilever will donate 150,000 cans – to its longstanding partner, Foodbank, to manage distribution across Australia and New Zealand.

Nicky Sparshott, CEO of Unilever Australia & New Zealand, said, “We believe we have a social, medical, and moral obligation to make hand hygiene readily available. That’s why we’re responding to Government calls to action to increase supply of essential products by rapidly innovating and re-directing some of our Australian manufacturing.”

In addition to the AU$1m donation of hand sanitiser, Unilever will also donate AU$1m worth of essential homecare, personal care and food products to Foodbank to distribute across Australia, including leading household brands Comfort, Sunsilk, Love Beauty and Planet, Simple and Continental.

Brianna Casey, CEO of Foodbank Australia said: “We are so grateful for this incredibly generous donation of much-sought-after sanitiser and other essential household items from Unilever.

“Foodbank has seen a 50 percent increase in demand for food and grocery relief due to job loss and small business closures across the country and donations such as food, personal care and cleaning products are critical.

“Thank you to everyone at Unilever for your ongoing commitment to Foodbank which enables us to support Australians not only now during this COVID-19 crisis, and for the long haul.”

Ms Sparshott continued, “We know our brands can play a big role in bringing both hygiene and comfort to everyday life, particularly while we all spend more time than ever at home. Whether it be providing a nourishing meal for the family, or keeping the home clean, Unilever is proud to play its part in helping Australian and New Zealand families stay safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Foodbank brings joy this Easter

Thursday 9 April, 2020: Easter wouldn’t be Easter without the excitement of opening a delicious chocolate egg and enjoying it with family. Foodbank has been working hard to make sure vulnerable children won’t miss this simple pleasure despite financial hardship and COVID-19 making this Easter particularly challenging for many.

As we prepare to spend the holiday weekend self-isolating at home, Foodbank, with the help of its generous donors, Ferrero and Mondelez, has made sure Aussie children will have a bit of normality. Hundreds of pallets of delicious Ferrero and Cadbury eggs and bunnies have made their way to Foodbank’s charity network around the country, just in time for Easter.

Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey, says this donation will be sure to put a smile on thousands of children’s faces.

“We have fabulous food donors who have supported us though drought, floods, bushfires and now COVID-19. This heart-warming donation of Easter goodies will not only bring some joy to the thousands of families devastated by job losses and business closures as a result of COVID-19, but it will also provide a bit of familiarity in what has been a challenging and stressful period,” Ms Casey said.

Foodbank helps vulnerable Aussies access food and groceries, no matter what the crisis. Pre-COVID-19, the not-for-profit organisation was already providing food relief to more than 815,000 Aussies a month, and that number is now growing by the day. If you, or someone you know needs food relief, please visit www.foodbank.org.au to locate your closest food relief charity.

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Interview opportunities:

Sydney – Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey

 

Visuals available:

Photos -donated chocolate eggs and bunnies in Foodbank Warehouse

B-Roll – Foodbank warehouse and general duties

Social media video – Featuring Ferrero bunnies donated in 2019

B-Roll – Mondelez producing Cadbury Bunnies

 

Facts*:

  • More than one in five Australians experienced food insecurity in the last 12 months (2019)
  • Foodbank was providing food relief to 815,000 Aussies every month pre-COVID and has experienced a 50% increase in demand for food relief in recent weeks.
  • At least once a week, three in 10 food insecure Australians go a whole day without eating
  • Charities are struggling to meet the rising demand for food relief. 22% state an increase in the number of individuals seeking food relief from charities. 37% of charities meet the full needs of the people they assist
  • Unexpected bills or housing payments are often the immediate reason a person will go hungry
  • 70% of Australians experiencing food insecurity were unable to find a job for an extended period time
  • Foodbank provides food relief to 2,400 charities and 3,000 schools

*Foodbank Hunger Report 2019

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Media enquiries

Rebecca Collins
Foodbank Australia
M +61 409 786 132
E Rebecca@foodbank.org.au

 

About Foodbank

Foodbank is a food relief organisation that partners with the entire Australian food and grocery sector to supply front-line charities nationally with the stocks they need to address hunger in the community. This involves working with farmers, wholesalers, manufacturers and retailers to source fresh and manufactured foods as well as personal and household items for those in need. Donations include stock that doesn’t meet industry specifications, is close to expiry or excess to requirements. Companies also make donations as part of their corporate social responsibility commitments and cause-related marketing campaigns.

Foodbank supplies food and groceries to more than 2,400 charities and also provides regular breakfasts for students in 3,000 schools across the country. As a not-for-profit organisation, Foodbank relies on governments, individuals, organisations, community groups and thousands of volunteers to fight hunger.

MESSAGE FROM FOODBANK AUSTRALIA CEO, BRIANNA CASEY

We made it! After what has seemed like the longest and toughest year imaginable, we are crossing our fingers and toes that this summer will be a very different one to the last. That said, experience has taught us well, so every Foodbank across the country is ready should we be called upon to assist with emergency food relief, no matter the natural disaster. Being a La Nina year, this is more likely to be cyclones and floods than drought and bushfires, but as the fires currently burning on Queensland’s Fraser Island and the consistently high fire danger warnings in Western Australia are showing us, anything is possible in an Australian summer.

As the year draws to a close, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the tireless efforts of every state and territory Foodbank team across the country, including their wonderful volunteers. Most teams have not had a moment’s pause this year, transitioning straight from drought to bushfires and then COVID-19, on top of our everyday role of assisting those experiencing food insecurity for any number of reasons.

Foodbank’s unrivalled ability to scale up and reach more vulnerable communities than we ever have before is only possible because of our incredible donors and supporters. I’ve never been prouder to be a Foodbanker, and I have been so humbled by the generosity, kindness and compassion we have seen from Australian businesses, manufacturers, retailers, farmers, community groups and general members of the public this year. Please know how grateful we are and how much your support has touched the entire Foodbank family.

I hope the festive season is a happy, healthy and relaxing one for you, your team and your family, and – border restrictions permitting – we look forward to seeing you next year!

Foodbank bushfire appeal calls for funds, food and groceries

Thursday 9 January 2020 – Australia’s leading hunger relief organisation, Foodbank, is playing a crucial role in the current unprecedented bushfire crisis and has the latest urgent request – Foodbank is still accepting donations from the public in all states around the country, but it’s preference is funds to be donated at www.foodbank.org.au.

Foodbank warehouses are open in every capital city for the general public to drop off donations of much-needed food and groceries.

Most wanted items:

  • Donated funds to www.foodbank.org.au
  • UHT Milk
  • Bottled water
  • Breakfast cereals
  • Good quality tinned foods and meals (with ring pulls)
  • Pasta, rice and noodles
  • Grab-and-go foods like muesli bars
  • Pet food
  • Baby products – formula, nappies, pureed food in jars / pouches

 

With more than one in five Australians experiencing food poverty at some point in the last 12 months[1], Foodbank Australia is currently providing food and grocery relief to 815,000 Australians every month, on top of additional support to communities currently experiencing natural disasters.

 

See www.foodbank.org.au/bushfire-emergency for locations and opening hours.

 

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Media enquiries

Rebecca Collins
Foodbank Australia
M +61 409 786 132
E Rebecca@foodbank.org.au

[1] Foodbank Hunger Report 2019

Women bear the brunt of hunger in Australia

 

Foodbank has today revealed that women in Australia are 50% more likely to experience food insecurity than men and, in fact, a quarter of all women have experienced food insecurity in some form in the past 12 months.

The Foodbank Hunger Report 2019 discloses that the events that make women susceptible to food stress are also different to those for men. Women are significantly more likely at some time in their lives to have experienced domestic violence or financial abuse or to have raised children on their own for an extended time. Men, on the other hand, are more likely to have been unable to find a job for a lengthy period.

Food insecurity is also more likely to take an emotional toll on women the research finds, as they report being more likely to feel stressed and anxious than men. For example, mothers are twice as likely as fathers to feel like a bad parent when there is not enough food in the house.

The Foodbank Hunger Report, now in its seventh year, surveys 2,000 charities and 1,000 individuals from around the country who are experiencing food insecurity. Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey, explained the report aims to better quantify and understand what is a growing social crisis.

“We hear so many heart-breaking stories, from mothers skipping meals so their children can eat, to elderly women left on their own feeling isolated because they can’t offer their neighbours or friends so much as a cup of tea or coffee” she said. “We knew the situation was bad, but this year’s report confirms that it’s getting worse and the impact is skewed towards our most vulnerable women in the community.”

“In spite of the fact that Foodbank is now providing food relief for more than 810,000 people every month, what the report shows is that our charity network is still not meeting demand. There has been a 22% increase in the number of individuals accessing food relief in the past year and only 37% of charities believe they are meeting the full demand in their communities” stated Casey.

In the wake of these findings, Casey has challenged the government to act. “This problem is clearly not going away in fact its impact on the health and wellbeing of our communities is only going amplify. What is required is a long-term, whole-of-government plan to tackle this crisis head on. We are calling for a commitment to introduce a National Food Security Strategy to ensure we achieve zero hunger in this country by 2030,” Casey said.

The public can join the growing movement on social media to shine a spotlight on the issue of hunger in Australia by using the hashtags #HiddenHunger and #ZeroHunger, donating at www.foodbank.org.au or asking their local Member of Federal Parliament what they are doing to address food insecurity in Australia.

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Foodbank welcomes Labor’s commitment to helping hungry Australians

8 May 2019 – “Foodbank welcomes today’s commitment from Labor to double funding for food relief organisations” Foodbank Australia CEO Brianna Casey said today.

“We have made a case to all parties to deliver a National Food Security Strategy with significant funding to support it, to help address Australia’s food insecurity crisis,” she explained. “We look forward to working with the incoming government to ensure that vulnerable and disadvantaged Australians have reliable access to sufficient safe and nutritious food”.

Foodbank’s case for a National Food Security Strategy can be found here and its policy and funding priorities ahead of the federal election can be found here.