With the match ending so swiftly (sorry, England), Theme Group and Optus Stadium suddenly found itself with a mountain of perfectly good, unused food that was destined for hungry crowds who… well… didn’t get the chance to be hungry for very long. Rather than let anything go to waste, the stadium team swung into action and generously donated the surplus straight to Foodbank WA.

And just like the Aussie batting lineup – we made good use of every opportunity.

Thanks to the donation countless households and charity partners across the metro area received high-quality ingredients and fresh meal components. This included 576kg of fresh vegetables (a mixture of bulk and individual portions) meaning households had access to delicious pre-cut and ready to eat veggies and our Community Kitchen received a load of fresh high-quality vegetables to turn into healthy meals which will be distributed all over the state. We were also lucky to receive an array of delicious sandwiches – 220kg to be exact.

Perhaps most impressively, we got 5,200kg (or 6 pallets) of much-needed fresh milk out to our regional branches, where reliable supply can be harder to get than English runs in Perth.

This unexpected food windfall turned a historic cricket moment into meaningful impact for communities right across WA. A huge thank you to Theme Group and Optus Stadium and their partners for hitting this one out of the ground – proof that even a two-day Test can deliver big results off the field. 

Over the past few years, the rising cost of living has made it difficult for many families to balance their budgets. 

They are struggling to keep a roof over their heads, fuel in their cars, and food on the table.

The cost-of-living crisis has affected everyone, single-income households, dual-income households, singles, students and pensioners.

This year Foodbank WA has had more families reach out for help than ever before, regularly assisting more than 1000 households a day.

Foodbank, through their generous partners run various campaigns across the city leading up to Christmas. Here’s how you can help more families share a meal and brighten the festive season for families across the state. 

Corporate donations for Foodbank’s Christmas Appeal 

Corporate donations play a crucial role in supporting Foodbank’s efforts to provide food relief to those in need. By contributing to the Christmas Appeal, donations can help Foodbank secure the necessary resources to distribute food and groceries to vulnerable families. These donations not only provide immediate relief but also contribute to the long-term sustainability of the organisation’s food relief programs. Every dollar donated helps Foodbank deliver food, nutrition education, and emergency support where needed, making a real difference in the lives of those they serve. 

Hold a Food Drive   

Organising a corporate food drive is another impactful way for businesses to support Foodbank WA. Food drives help collect non-perishable food items and personal care products that are essential for families in need. By rallying employees to donate items such as canned meals, pasta, rice, and toiletries, organisations can make a tangible difference in their local community. Food drives also create a sense of teamwork and social responsibility among employees, creating a positive and engaging workplace culture. 

Hawaiian Giving Box Initiative 

An annual Christmas season appeal run by the Hawaiian Group is now in it’s 12th year and aims to collect funds and non-perishable food donations to make Christmas a little more special for those facing food insecurity. Donations can be made at Hawaiian shopping centres located in Melville, Park Centre, Noranda, Bassendean, Forrestfield and Claremont. This initiative provides multiple ways for people to contribute, from donating food, funds donated from Santa photos to wrapping presents at Claremont Quarter.  

Give a Feed Christmas Initiative 

The Give a Feed Christmas Initiative is a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer while supporting those in need. This initiative encourages businesses and individuals to donate funds that will sponsor Christmas hampers to vulnerable families in WA. These hampers contain a variety of festive food items, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a special meal during the holiday season. By participating in the Give a Feed Christmas Initiative, organisations can help bring joy and hope to families who might otherwise go without. 

Giving Machines located in Joondalup 

The Giving Machines located in Lakeside Joondalup Shopping Centre offers a unique and interactive way for the community to support Foodbank WA. These vending machines allow individuals to sponsor food and other essentials that will be donated directly to those in need. Located opposite Myer your support will provide relief for families in need while also raising awareness about food insecurity and the importance of community support. 

Volunteering 

Volunteering is a hands-on way for organisations to support Foodbank WA’s mission. Businesses and community groups can organise volunteer days where people from all walks of life come together to pack food hampers or cook ready-to-eat meals in Foodbank’s Community Kitchen. These activities not only provide much-needed food for vulnerable families but also offer a rewarding experience for volunteers. By dedicating time and effort, volunteers can see firsthand the impact of their contributions and feel a sense of pride in helping their community.

This Christmas, organisations and individuals across Western Australia have the power to make a significant difference in the lives of those most vulnerable. By participating in Foodbank initiatives, we can help ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food and can enjoy the festive season with dignity. Whether through corporate donations, food drives, and the many Christmas initiatives – there are many ways to get involved and support Foodbank’s mission. Together, we can create a brighter and more hopeful holiday season for all. 

We received beautiful bananas from Sweeter Bananas, dairy products, juice, yoghurt, and cheese from Brownes Dairy, Bega, Lactalis, Dairy Australia, and the Royal Agricultural Society, who also donated some dairy products along with absolutely delicious Bravo apples. We also received some delicious sausages, perfect for school holiday BBQs!

A huge 5,365kg of incredible donations arrived at our Perth warehouse at midday during the school holidays and put smiles on the faces of so many of our customers and their kids.

Thank you to everyone who made this donation possible, from the kind donors to the volunteers who packed and donated their time.

What a display of collaboration and kindness. 

Darren has dedicated 33 years to the food, beverage, and packaging industries, where he has held various roles in quality assurance, manufacturing, and procurement. His extensive background includes sourcing food for new product development and identifying alternative food sources, showcasing his versatility and expertise in the field.

Interestingly, Darren’s journey in Perth began with a temporary position at Goodman Fielder. What started as a short-term role turned into an eight-year tenure, during which Darren fell in love with the food industry in Perth. His commitment to the industry has only grown stronger over the years, and he has continued to make significant contributions to the field.

Darren is passionate about food sourcing and believes that the key to success lies in being agile and persistent. He often says that finding the right food source is like searching for a needle in a haystack, but with determination and creativity, it can be done. His innovative approach and unwavering dedication have earned him a reputation as a problem-solver and a leader in the industry.

Beyond his professional achievements, Darren is excited to use his knowledge and experience to give back to the community. He is committed to helping those in need and sees his role at Foodbank as an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Darren’s enthusiasm for his work and his dedication to our mission make him a valuable addition to our team.

We are confident that Darren’s expertise and passion will drive our food sourcing efforts to new heights. Please join us in welcoming Darren Molen to the Foodbank family. We look forward to the positive impact he will have on our organisation and the community we serve.