The State Government’s $500,000 donation is therefore critical.

It is enabling us to absorb some of these rising costs, continue working with third‑party logistics providers, and maintain delivery services to the communities who rely on us. Without this support, the impact of fuel cost increases would be felt far more quickly and severely across our operations. 

The ongoing cost‑of‑living crisis, driven largely by increasing fuel prices and interest rates, is having a real and visible impact on the communities we support. Through anecdotal feedback, some clients have told us they expect to reduce the frequency of their visits simply because they can no longer afford the cost of travel to our branches or Mobile Foodbank locations. 

At the same time, we recognise that many of our food donors are facing similar pressures, often on a much larger scale. 

For organisations like Foodbank WA, rising fuel prices are rippling through every part of the supply chain. Fuel is a critical component of the logistics network that underpins food rescue and distribution. From collecting surplus food to delivering essential groceries to charity partners across the state, transport sits at the heart of what we do. 

As fuel costs rise, so too does the cost of keeping this network moving. Recently, approximately 15% of our third‑party logistics providers have issued notices of increases to their fuel levies, ranging from 20% to as high as 50%. We have also received advice from other suppliers across the logistics chain that fuel levies could increase by around 50% if current conditions persist. While not all providers have announced changes, there is growing concern that further increases may follow. 

These cost pressures have a direct and compounding impact. Increased transport costs reduce the funds available to expand services, support additional communities, or invest in infrastructure. Over time, sustained increases may place pressure on delivery schedules, routes, and overall distribution capacity - particularly into regional and remote areas where distances are vast and alternatives limited. 

Higher fuel and operating costs can also affect donation patterns. Farmers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers are navigating their own increased transport and production expenses, which can reduce surplus availability or make participation in food rescue programs more challenging - especially for fresh fruit and vegetables, which are highly time‑ and cost‑sensitive. 

We want our food donors to know that we recognise the pressures they are facing and understand the challenges they are navigating. If fuel costs, logistics, or changing circumstances are creating barriers, we encourage donors to reach out as early as possible. Early conversations give us the best opportunity to work together on solutions, whether that means adjusting collection methods, exploring alternative transport options, or finding ways to ease the burden. 

Our shared goal remains the same: ensuring communities continue to have access to fresh fruit and vegetables and essential food. 

Despite the pressures across the system, we remain committed to supporting our charity partners and the people they serve. Now more than ever, collaboration is critical. Through open communication, in‑kind support, financial contributions, and advocacy – supported by vital government investment - we can navigate these challenges together and sustain food relief across Western Australia. 

As fuel costs continue to evolve, we will closely monitor their impact and adapt where possible, while staying firmly focused on our core mission: delivering food and hope to Western Australians facing hardship. 

That’s why we actively invite Charity Partners to distribute their brochures and information through our Mobile Foodbank service and at our branches.

By sharing these materials directly with our clients, we help connect people with the wider care sector at the very moment they’re already reaching out for help. It’s an ideal opportunity to show what other support is available – from financial counselling and emergency relief to health services and community programs.

More and more organisations are choosing to work closely together, because collaboration means better outcomes for the people we support. When partners share resources and information, our community benefits.

At Foodbank, we’re proud to highlight the services offered by other agencies. Together, we’re helping ensure that anyone experiencing hardship can access the full range of care they need, not just food.

If your organisation would like to share brochures or resources through our Mobile Foodbank or branches, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s keep working together to make support easier to find – and easier to reach. Please reach out to Belinda Morris, Network Support Manager, for information on how we can collaborate to highlight your sector. 

The new van was made possible thanks to the generous support of Community Bank Albany and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. Their investment ensures we can continue serving the community safely, efficiently and with greater reach for years to come. We are deeply grateful for the strong partnerships that enable us to make essential operational improvements like this van upgrade, a reality.

What makes this new vehicle particularly exciting is its versatility. Beyond supporting our usual pick‑ups, deliveries and outreach visits, the van has been designed to operate as a Mobile Foodbank. It features a 95‑litre dual‑zone fridge/freezer on a convenient slide‑out drawer, allowing us to transport chilled and frozen food items directly to people who may not be able to reach our physical locations. This capability opens new doors for outreach in regional and remote areas, pop‑up locations and community events.

Wrapped in our distinctive purple branding, the van is set to become a familiar – and we hope welcome – sight across the community. Its presence on the road signals reassurance: help is coming. Whether parked at a community centre, visiting a partner organisation or making a delivery run, the van represents our commitment to showing up where people need us, when they need us.

Importantly, the new vehicle enhances our flexibility and reach. It will allow our team to respond more swiftly to emerging needs, expand our service footprint, and provide a greater range of food options, including perishable items that were previously difficult to transport safely. This puts us in a stronger position to support families, individuals and partner organisations as cost‑of‑living pressures continue to challenge many households.

We’re excited for the difference this van will make – not just to our operations, but to the communities we serve. 

Thank you again to Community Bank Albany, the Western Australian Government and everyone who helped bring this important project to life. With your support, we can continue delivering essential food relief with reliability, dignity and care.