Everyone deserves dignity

Week of Care

Shining a light on essentials

From July 14 to 20, Week of Care highlights the everyday items many of us take for granted — and the difference they make for people doing it tough. When money is tight, household and personal care items are often the first to go.

Why it matters

Millions of Australians are struggling to put food on the table, with some skipping meals or going whole days without eating. The rising cost of living means more people are turning to food relief, and they’re needing support more often.

At Foodbank, we believe everyone should have access to good food and the dignity that comes with essential personal and household items.

Image of man in kitchen with text overlayed saying 3.4 million households in Australia are food insecure

Everyday items that make a difference

Things like toothbrushes and toothpaste, period products, makeup, moisturiser, nappies and baby wipes shouldn’t be a luxury — they’re basic essentials. For someone who has lost everything in a fire or flood, or is escaping domestic violence, these everyday items can make all the difference in helping them feel clean, cared for and ready to face the day.

That’s what Week of Care is all about — raising awareness of the growing need for personal and household care items, and the real impact they have on people’s lives.

The need is real and growing

“The toiletries that are available mean I can treat myself to something that I would not have the financial means to do so at this time and knowing the fact these items are donated makes it even more special.”

– Foodbank SA & NT client

Of the 3.4 million households experiencing food insecurity, almost half expressed a growing need for personal and household care products from charities and community groups.

For families with children, the struggle is even greater. More than half (51%) of food insecure households with kids asked for personal care while close to half asked for cleaning items.

The need for period care also remains high, with 26% of food-insecure households seeking access to these essential items.

What was donated to Foodbank last year

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our partners, more than 1.8 million kilograms of non-food essentials were donated to Foodbank last year. That’s a huge volume of everyday items. All sorted, packed and delivered to people doing it tough right across the country

We’ve highlighted some items we love below.

Period Care

We hear stories of people rationing pads or using socks or toilet paper to get by. For some, that idea seems unimaginable, yet it’s a harsh reality with severe and hidden consequences that many people across the country face. Period care is a necessity. It helps protect dignity, health and confidence — no one should feel ashamed because they can’t afford it. By making access easier, we can help people feel seen, supported and ready to keep going. “It’s just been a lifesaver to come to a place like this. I just appreciate it so much, it’s been a saviour… I am a strong woman and against all odds, I am always going to find a way to keep going.”

Baby Care

Every baby deserves to be clean, comfortable and cared for so they can thrive. Items like nappies and baby wash are essential for families doing it tough. These products support a child’s health and give parents peace of mind. For parents like Melonie*, having access to baby care essentials brings both relief and dignity. “I’m a single mother on disability having epilepsy. Foodbank means a lot to me and my family. It means we can eat quality food and have baby supplies etc.”

Makeup

You might not expect us to provide makeup. But for many, it’s more than just appearance. Makeup supports self-care, confidence and a sense of normalcy. For some women, it helps conceal DV bruises or feel ready for work. Access to makeup can offer comfort, control and dignity in tough times. “I have a young son and a mortgage. I was getting bills and debt faster than I could pay. But thanks to Foodbank I was able to feed myself and my son nutritious food with all the staples plus treats and toiletries.”

Oral Care

Taking care of oral health is crucial for overall well-being, from confidence to the ability to eat comfortably. Many of us understand the pain of oral issues and the expense of dental visits, which is why oral care is a daily priority. Unfortunately, for individuals and families like Keith* who struggle to afford food, access to essential grocery items like toothbrushes and toothpaste can be limited. “The toiletries that are available mean I can treat myself to something that I would not have the financial means to do so at this time and knowing the fact these items are donated makes it even more special.”

Household Cleaning

While cleaning the house or washing dishes may seem like mundane tasks, they are the building blocks of a happy home. They are the first lessons we teach our children, often accompanied by memories of soap suds fights with siblings or lively post-dinner chats. Clean spaces not only promote physical wellbeing but also contribute to our mental and emotional health, making them more than just chores. “Some weeks I don’t have much or sometimes nothing at all to eat or can’t afford cleaning products or self cleansing products. But I can get most general products from Foodbank.”

Hair Care

We can all agree how good it feels to have freshly washed hair. But for many Aussies, essentials like shampoo and conditioner are out of reach. These products are about more than hygiene — they help restore dignity, confidence and a sense of normal. This matters even more when there are children in the household. “I could not afford many items on my shopping list. Meat, fruit and vegetables were always a concern, carefully budgeted. Biscuits and treats were rare as well as many personal items. To discover Foodbank locally is such truly a Godsend. I have never been so content and eaten so well, a big thank you.”

Toilet Paper

Imagine the worry of not knowing if you can find toilet paper. For many of us, it was a brief experience during the panic buying of the pandemic. But for people struggling right now, this can be a daily stress: “Can I afford toilet paper this week?” “Trying to maintain a house on just a disability pension is difficult and with rising costs, it’s made life just a little bit easier having Foodbank as a backup to get the essentials.”

Skin Care

When budgets are tight, self-care products often get cut from the shopping list. Moisturisers, cleansers, and other products are not luxuries—they are essential for many men, women, teenagers, and children facing tough times. Everyone deserves healthy skin. It impacts confidence and can significantly affect those already struggling to pay the bills. That’s why we partner with companies to ensure a regular supply of products for our charities to offer their communities. “I am a pensioner and renting. I have little left out of my pension for food and personal things. I am so glad I found out about Foodbank. It has helped me so much and I thank you very much.”

THANK YOU

In times of natural disaster, emergency, or just everyday hardship, our personal and household care partners are always ready to lend a hand. We are so grateful for their ongoing support in helping make sure Australians everywhere have access to the essentials they need.

Get involved

Max Gawn calling on Aussies to help provide three million meals to families facing winter hunger

With winter hitting hard and food costs soaring, AFL superstar Max Gawn is challenging Australians to help deliver three million* breakfasts to families doing it tough through Red Tractor, ALDI Australia and Foodbank’s ‘Buy One, Give One’ campaign.

From Wednesday, 2 July, every 1.6kg bag of Red Tractor oats purchased at ALDI stores across the country will see 1.6kg of oats donated to Foodbank when the product will be available as a Special Buy, with each donated pack of oats providing up to 40 meals for families in need.

Supporting the campaign is AFL superstar and Melbourne FC Captain Max Gawn, who kicked off the initiative at Foodbank’s distribution centre in Yarraville, Victoria.

“As an athlete, I know how important a good brekkie is to set you up for the day. But millions of Aussies are going without that basic start. When you grab your Red Tractor oats during this campaign, you’re not just feeding your family, you’re feeding another family too. It’s such a simple way to make a huge impact for Aussies doing it tough this winter,” said Gawn.

*3 million breakfasts are calculated using the 40g serving size of the 1.6kg product

Red Tractor and ALDI’s partnership with Foodbank comes at a pivotal time for Australians in need.

Foodbank’s Hunger Report 2024 highlights that low-income households are at a breaking point. One in five median income households (earning >$95K per year) are food insecure and more than half (59%) of all food insecure households in Australia are experiencing it at the severe level, regularly skipping meals or going entire days without food.

Red Tractor CEO Andrew Loader said, “Every day we see Australians choosing between heating and eating. This winter, we’re not just asking people to buy oats, we’re asking them to be part of the solution.”

Help deliver three million meals: Max Gawn Backs Foodbank Campaign

“As a proud Australian brand, we see this as our responsibility. Every bag purchased doesn’t just support Australian farmers, it directly feeds families who otherwise might go without.”

Red Tractor’s ‘Buy One, Give One’ campaign and partnership with ALDI is in its second year, with last year’s campaign saw three million meals donated through Foodbank’s community programs. This year’s campaign aims to deliver even greater impact across the campaign period.

Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey AM, said, “We believe everyone deserves to have access to good food and there is nothing more satisfying on a cold winter’s morning than a warm bowl of oats to start the day. We are incredibly thankful to Red Tractor and ALDI for the generous support they provide Foodbank with this much-needed donation of delicious, nutritious Australian grown oats.”

ALDI Australia Buying Director of Breakfast products, Daniel Quinlan, said the company looks forward to continuing this partnership with Red Tractor and Foodbank.

“At ALDI, we’re proud to partner with Red Tractor and Foodbank on this meaningful initiative that supports Aussie families doing it tough this winter,” said Mr Quinlan.

“The ‘Buy One, Give One’ campaign is a simple yet powerful way to make a Good Difference, and we’re grateful to be part of a program that delivers real impact to local communities.”

THANK YOU, Red Tractor & ALDI

Food Security Strategy Crucial for Australia’s Hunger Problem

4 March 2025, Sydney: Foodbank Australia has welcomed today’s commitment that a re-elected Labor Government will develop a new, National Food Security Strategy.

Foodbank has been calling for a bipartisan, whole-of-government approach to food security for almost a decade, recognising the importance of a forward-looking strategy to underpin the efforts of the public, private and non-profit sectors on this issue.

“Every Australian should have reliable access to healthy, culturally appropriate food, but this is not the case for more than 3 millionhouseholds across the country”, Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey AM said today.

“With a cyclone barrelling towards South-East Queensland, heatwaves across much of northern Australia and fires still burning in Victoria and Tasmania, the resilience of our food systems is being continually tested,” Ms Casey said. “Whether triggered by natural disasters, geopolitical instability or workforce issues, supply chain disruption is now the norm, and the impacts are only adding to the strain on household budgets”.

The Foodbank Hunger Report 2024 revealed that food insecurity is no longer just a low-income household problem. One in 5 median income households is now experiencing food insecurity, with 10% of these median income households severely food insecure, meaning they are skipping meals and even going entire days without eating to ensure they can keep a roof over their heads.

“Foodbank is already sourcing 252,000 meals a day and supporting more than a million people a month, but despite our best efforts, we simply cannot keep up with the demand for food relief across Australia,” Ms Casey said.

“The cost-of-living crisis not only drives up demand for food relief, with more and more households struggling with the increased costs of food, housing and utilities, but also impacts Foodbank’s supply,” Ms Casey explained. “The cost of sourcing, storing and transporting essential food relief is increasing by the day and simply cannot be sustained at current funding levels.”

“We have called for strong leadership on food security, with strong policies backed by meaningful investment” Ms Casey said. “A National Food Security Strategy is a crucial first step towards securing food security for every Australian, no matter their circumstances and a positive sign of things to come”.

Learn how we’re ending hunger and create change every day, with the help of our incredible partners.

We source and distribute meals nationwide—supporting charities, schools and communities in need.

Source Food

Farmers and growers Manufacturers and their suppliers Wholesalers and retailers

Distribute Food

Charity partners

Schools

Transport services

Natural disaster relief

Collaborative Supply Program

Raise Food

(i.e. generating or supplementing food supply efforts)

Nutrition

Reducing food waste

Make Change

Advocacy

Research and reports

Get involved

Make a Donation

Funds Food Services, transport and operations Workplace Giving

Fundraise

Fundraise for us Hold a food drive Workplace Fundraising

Partner with us

Financial Food & Grocery Transport

Pressure growing for Federal Government to adopt targeted cost of living relief

Natural Disaster Relief

What we do at Foodbank

Foodbank staff member smiling holding up Foodbank Toilet paper in store at Woolworths.

We’re helping end hunger

With every pack of Foodbank Toilet Paper, you’re doing more than stocking your home with an essential. You’re helping provide meals for people in need.

Together with our partner Encore Tissue, the makers of this product, we’re on a mission to provide 1 million meals by 2026.

Together, we’ve raised…

Goal: 1000000 meals

250,000

500,000

750,000

95771 meals !

Why your choice matters

3.5 million households across Australia are experiencing food insecurity. This means they are often skipping meals, reducing portion sizes or even going entire days without eating.

Foodbank Hunger Report

Foodbank across Australia

kg of food and groceries sourced

Equivalent meals sourced

Charities Supported

School Feeding Programs Supported

Social Return On Investment (SROI)

Thank you to our incredible partner, Encore Tissue, for making this possible.

Get involved

Make a Donation

Funds Food Services, transport and operations Workplace Giving

Fundraise

Fundraise for us Hold a food drive Workplace Fundraising

Partner with us

Financial Food & Grocery Transport

Duncan Makeig elected new Foodbank Australia Chair

22^nd November 2024, SYDNEY:

Former Managing Director of Lion Asia Dairy, Duncan Makeig has been elected unopposed as Foodbank Australia Chair of the Board, succeeding outgoing Independent Chair, Tony Froggatt following his nine years of service.

Having served on the Foodbank Australia Board since the start of 2023, Mr Makeig brings a wealth of experience in legal and corporate governance from his 30-year management career working across various senior leadership positions in Australia and the United States at Heineken-Lion, PepsiCo, China Road and Tricon Restaurants (Yum! Brands), complementing his agricultural experience as Director of Wirrabilla Pastoral.

Duncan is equipped with a deep understanding of the not-for-profit sector having previously chaired the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation and Curing Homesickness Ltd, and is currently serving as an Independent Non-Executive Director on the Endeavour Board.

“Having sat on the Foodbank Australia Board for the last 18 months, I have seen firsthand the extraordinary impact that Foodbanks have across Australia”, Mr Makeig said.

“I look forward to working alongside my fellow Board members and the Foodbank Australia team, led by CEO, Brianna Casey as we look to build on Tony’s legacy and meet the ever-growing demand for food relief in city and country communities across Australia.”

“Having sat on the Foodbank Australia Board for the last 18 months, I have seen firsthand the extraordinary impact that Foodbanks have across Australia”, Mr Makeig said.

Outgoing Chair, Tony Froggatt, leaves the role after a successful nine years, helping build awareness of and trust in Foodbank while fostering closer collaboration between members of the food relief sector over the course of his tenure.

This relationship has allowed the sector to promote policies that prioritise the millions of Australians going hungry, notably the ongoing push for a National Food Donation Tax Incentive.

Since joining in 2015, Mr Froggatt has guided the Foodbank team through natural disasters, the Covid Pandemic, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

“It has been a privilege to serve as the Foodbank Australia Chair. I have enjoyed the experience, and it has given me such purpose to work alongside my colleagues on the board to make a difference to the lives of so many Australians. I wish Duncan well in this next chapter of Foodbank’s ongoing commitment to helping those in need”, said Mr Froggatt.

With 3.4 million Australian households experiencing food insecurity, Mr Makeig takes the reins as the cost-of-living crisis continues to heavily impact the lives of vulnerable communities.

His extensive leadership experience and charity sector background inspires confidence that he will oversee Foodbank’s next chapter with stability amongst an increasingly unpredictable social and economic climate.

Brianna Casey Foodbank Australia CEO (14)

Commenting on the Chair transition, Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey AM, said, “Tony’s leadership over the past decade has left a legacy on the food relief sector in this country. His commitment to supporting those in need has ensured we have been able to grow to where we are today, establishing strong foundations for Duncan to build on as we strive for an Australia without hunger.”

Learn how we’re ending hunger and create change every day, with the help of our incredible partners.

We source and distribute meals nationwide—supporting charities, schools and communities in need.