This is more than just toilet paper

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

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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

51M

kg of food and groceries sourced

92M

Equivalent meals sourced

2966

Charities Supported

3649

School Feeding Programs Supported

$1.8B

Social Return On Investment (SROI)

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

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Duncan Makeig elected new Foodbank Australia Chair

22nd 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.”

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“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.”

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.

Tony Froggatt 1

“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.

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Reducing food waste

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

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Monday 18 November 2024: Foodbank Australia insists the federal government can no longer ignore the mounting pressure to adopt an incentive for farmers and small to medium businesses that has the potential to halve food waste by 2030 and provide the equivalent of 100 million nutritious meals every year to food relief organisations, something that is vital in this current cost of living crisis.

Tax Incentive Bill could help to halve food waste by 2030

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The Tax Laws Amendment (Incentivising Food Donations to Charitable Organisations) Bill 2024, introduced by WA Senator Dean Smith, aims to incentivise small to medium food producers, such as farmers and growers, to donate excess fresh fruit and vegetable to charitable organisations like Foodbank, critical in meeting the rising demand of those accessing food relief in Australia.

In the same week that two government reports were handed down, both recommending the adoption of the food donation tax incentive as a targeted non-inflationary measure to address cost of living pressures, the Senate economics committee has rejected the Bill that would have brought the incentive to life.

Foodbank Australia believes that ignoring the advice of industry experts, ultimately fails our agriculture sector and the many Australians struggling to put food on the table despite growing evidence and overwhelming support for the incentive.

Foodbank CEO: Rejection a blow to farmers and families in need

According to Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey AM, the rejection of the bill is a blow to the food relief organisation’s efforts to provide consistent, nutritious food relief to millions of people experiencing food insecurity.

“At a time when 3.4 million Australian households are struggling to put food on the table, this decision is not just perplexing but disheartening for hardworking farmers and growers who desperately want to do more to help get food on the tables for those doing it tough.

“The Federal Government has the opportunity to make a positive difference and to act on the numerous recommendations coming from the Senate, House of Representatives and Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales state governments, all calling for this smart policy to be adopted. We urge the federal government to adopt the tax incentive which would deliver an immediate increase in healthy food to struggling families weeks out from Christmas,” Casey said.

Pressure Mounts on Federal Government for Food Donation Tax Incentive

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Low-income households at breaking point and routinely skipping meals

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Tuesday 15 October: Low-income households are enduring the highest rates of food insecurity since the onset of the cost-of-living crisis, according to the Foodbank Hunger Report 2024, released today.

Now in its eleventh year, the report from food relief organisation Foodbank, surveyed 4,260 people and highlights the growing divide between those who are able to absorb or adapt to rising costs and those being left behind. More than 870,000 (48%) of Australia’s low-income households (earning less than $30,000) are experiencing food insecurity. This is the highest rate since the onset of the cost-of-living crisis, up 5% on 2022. 

The report offers an insight into the state of hunger across the country and reveals more than half (59%) of all food insecure households are experiencing the most severe level of hardship, regularly skipping meals or going entire days without food.

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Single parent households are the hardest hit with over two-thirds (69%) facing food insecurity and 41% of these also experiencing the severest form.

Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey AM is extremely concerned with the latest findings.

“We warned at the beginning of the cost-of-living crisis that low-income households were always going to suffer first, worst and for the longest and these findings confirm this. We are seeing families that were just getting by, now reaching their limits and making unimaginable choices.”

This year’s report highlights the most common contributing factors to food insecurity in Australia.

“Unsurprisingly, people are being forced to cut back on the most basic of essentials, nutritious food, because of the combination of higher costs of housing and essential goods, particularly food and utilities, while wages fail to keep pace – all of which are entirely outside of the control of most Australian households,” said Ms Casey.

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Food relief charities such as Foodbank are continuing to experience heightened demand, not only because of the ongoing impacts of the cost-of-living crisis, but also the increase in awareness of where to get help, coupled with core support systems, such as family and friends, no longer being able to assist.

More than half (53%) of food insecure households reported they are receiving food relief more often than a year ago. Worryingly, food insecure households receiving help from friends and family has dropped significantly from 32% in 2023 to 25% in 2024.

“This is an alarming statistic that demonstrates just how desperate the situation has become for those who were once a lifeline suddenly finding themselves living pay to pay, watching every dollar and sadly, no longer in a position to extend help to loved ones and friends.

“We know it’s going to take months, if not years, for many families to bounce back. We will continue to wrap our arms around our communities for as long as it takes, doing our bit to help nutritious, culturally appropriate food get to as many struggling households as possible,” said Ms Casey.

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Foodbank Hunger Report 2024

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Struggling Aussies requesting period care products

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15 July 2024, Sydney: The inability to afford period products has hidden and severe consequences including missing school or work or using unhygienic items such as socks, newspapers and rags as replacements, potentially leading to medical issues.

Foodbank Hunger Report 2023 revealed that 29% of food insecure households need more period products from charities and community groups. The report also found that 47% of food insecure households were requesting more everyday household items such as cleaning and personal care products with the cost of living being the main reason for so many households doing it tough.

Research by Share the Dignity, a charity dedicated to sourcing and distributing period care products to those who need it, found that 19% of high school students often or sometimes stayed at home because they could not afford pads or tampons while one in ten tertiary students and employees reported having trouble buying period products every month for the same reason.

Struggling Aussies requesting period care products

Brianna Casey AM, Foodbank Australia CEO, understands that ensuring period products are available to everyone who needs them is essential for the wellbeing of those in need, “Providing access to essential period care products is about more than just health – it’s about dignity, comfort and confidence when they turn up to school or work and providing them with what they need to simply be themselves.”

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Historic reform a step towards feeding hungry Australians

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Friday 28 June 2024: Legislation introduced next week aims to unlock tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetables for hungry Australians struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. Inspired by the National Food Donation Tax Incentive, this new reform represents a significant step forward in addressing food insecurity in Australia.

Western Australian Senator Dean Smith will table a Private Senator’s Bill, the Incentivising Food Donations to Charitable Organisations Bill, in the Senate. This Bill aims to change Australia’s tax system to encourage the donation, rather than dumping, of food. It has the potential to deliver millions of extra meals and help Australia reach its bipartisan commitment to halve food waste by 2030.

The Bill is inspired by the National Food Donation Tax Incentive, a proposal developed by KPMG through the support of End Food Waste Australia, the NSW Environmental Protections Agency and Queensland Department of Environment and Science. It incentivises food businesses, such as farmers, wholesalers and transporters to donate surplus food and allied services to Australian food relief charities.

The incentive has garnered support in recent Parliamentary inquiries and was a key recommendation in the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Agriculture’s Report into Food Security in Australia. It also enjoys widespread endorsement from representative organisations and businesses in the Australian food industry and works successfully in other countries, including France, Canada, and the United States.

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Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey AM, stressed the importance of this incentive.

“We have families unable to put food on the table despite tonnes of perfectly edible food being dumped or ploughed in each year. We know that households under financial pressure have been forced to reduce – or even remove – their spend on fresh fruit & vegetables and protein, meaning demand for these products at food banks across Australia has skyrocketed. This tax incentive is smart policy, and the debate in the Senate next week should be about how quickly we can introduce it, not about party politics.”

OzHarvest CEO, James Goth, agreed, “Demand for food relief is at an all-time high and our charities are telling us they are struggling to cope with the ongoing increase in numbers. This bill has the potential to get edible food off farms and onto the plates of those who need it most, addressing food security and food waste simultaneously. It’s crucial for politicians to recognise this need in the community and unite to implement this reform.”

SecondBite CEO, Daniel Moorfield, added, “We are committed to working with the government and all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of this tax incentive. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of millions of Australians and move closer to achieving our food waste reduction goals.”

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Senator Dean Smith stated that the Bill represents a single, straightforward solution to two problems.

“Food relief charities are fighting to meet unprecedented demand, while at the same time an unbelievable amount of food is dumped each year, much of it edible, and often because it’s cheaper than donating it. My Private Senator’s Bill – originally shaped by the National Food Donation Tax Incentive and refined through close consultation with the Australian charity sector – is aimed at turning that around and delivering meaningful help to Australians in need.”

The Bill will be introduced into the Senate on 3 July and is expected to be referred to a committee for inquiry. Stakeholders will have an opportunity to make submissions of their suggested changes and improvements, with a Parliamentary report to be delivered by 30 October.

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Struggling Australians go hungry to feed their pets

Thursday 11 April 2024: Pet owners living in food insecure households are resorting to self-sacrifice to protect the welfare of their pets, with almost a quarter (24%) skipping meals so their pets can eat.

According to a report published today by Foodbank Australia to mark National Pets Day, food insecure households value their pets to such an extent that they don’t want to let them go hungry. 

Despite continued cost of living pressures, surrendering pets is an absolute last resort with 14% of pet owners in food insecure households reported giving up a pet during the previous 12 months. As low as this is, it is still twice the national average for Australian households (7%).

The report, supported by Mars Petcare Australia, a long-standing donor to Foodbank with brands such as Pedigree and Whiskas, reveals that half (56%) of food insecure households in the past 12 months own a pet, higher than the Australian average (48%).

According to survey respondents, pets play a crucial role in their lives. They offer companionship, emotional support, increased social interaction and a sense of security and purpose – all of which can be otherwise challenging for those doing it tough.

“Many families facing food insecurity struggle to provide proper nutrition for themselves, let alone their pets, which can lead to significant health and wellbeing consequences for pet owners as well as their pets,” said Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey.

We have heard previously that parents skip meals in order to ensure their children can eat, but we are now hearing this sacrifice extends to the welfare of pets, who are very much-loved family members.”

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Commenting on the report findings, General Manager of Mars Petcare Australia, Craig Sargeant said, “We know the valuable role pets play in Australian households, particularly households in need, and we are proud to support Foodbank in highlighting the struggle that pet parents in food insecure households are facing. This includes continuing our donation program with Foodbank focused on keeping pets healthy and remaining in loving homes.

We have heard previously that parents skip meals in order to ensure their children can eat, but we are now hearing this sacrifice extends to the welfare of pets, who are very much-loved family members.”

In 2023, Foodbank provided over 430,000 kilograms of pet food, valued at over $6 million, thanks to food industry partners such as Mars Petcare, yet the research reveals that only 9% of pet owners from food insecure households are aware that pet food is available as a part of food relief services.

“This figure is staggering and shouldn’t be happening. We want people to know if they are doing it tough, if they have pets, we can help them and their pets. Head to the Find Food button on our website to find a service near you that can assist,” said Ms Casey.

As part of Mars Petcare Australia’s ongoing support of Foodbank Australia to assist Australians experiencing food insecurity, Mars Petcare Associates will be donating their time on National Pet Day to make essential pet food hampers including Pedigree, Greenies, Whiskas and My Dog.

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Foodbank sources record volume of food and groceries in 2023

Foodbank sources record volume of food and groceries in

16 February 2024 – Today, Foodbank Australia revealed it sourced a record 51 million kilograms of food and groceries in 2023, the equivalent of 92 million meals, as the cost-of-living crisis pushed demand for food relief to record highs across the country.

The Foodbank Hunger Report 2023 confirmed food insecurity was experienced in 3.7 million households last year, more than all the households in Sydney and Melbourne combined. This is an increase of 383,000 households from the same time in 2022 and meant that Foodbanks across the country had to source more food and grocery items than ever before.

The main driver of food insecurity is the cost-of-living crisis, causing more Australians to be anxious about putting food on the table with 77 percent of food insecure households experiencing it for the first time in the past year.

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Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey explains that food insecurity is now affecting more Australians than ever before.

“It’s touching groups previously unaffected: young professionals and mid to high-income earners are among those being forced to make sacrifices at the dinner table.

“In any other industry, reaching a volume milestone is cause for celebration. At Foodbank, needing to source 92 million meals is a deeply concerning signal of extreme hardship across our communities, and proof positive of the need for the Federal Government to deliver immediate and significant cost of living relief, including improved funding for the food relief sector to respond to ever-growing demand for food relief in communities we’ve never seen it before.”

Partnering for purpose

Whilst the worsening state of food insecurity in Australia paints a dire picture, it is the generosity and commitment of the Australian food and grocery industry, as well as corporate Australia, that allows Foodbank to support those in need at such an incredible scale.

“We couldn’t do what we do best at Foodbank without the generosity and ingenuity of our partners across the agriculture, production, manufacturing and transportations industries,” said Ms Casey.

Donations of ambient, chilled, fresh food and private label products and personal and household care items are all welcome. By redistributing otherwise wasted products—they may be out of specification, close to expiry, deleted product, surplus or damaged—Foodbank is able feed Australians that would otherwise go without.

Foodbank works with farmers, wholesalers, manufacturers, and retailers who donate food and grocery items and redirect surplus stock so that they can be distributed through Foodbank’s charity network and outlets to those who need it most.

The national food relief sector’s pre-budget submission, which calls for a significant increase in investment for food relief, can be found here.

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Food Relief sector calls for urgent action on funding

Wednesday 24 January, 2024

 

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Ahead of the Prime Minister’s caucus meeting on the cost-of-living crisis, Australia’s food relief sector has called for an urgent and dramatic increase in Federal funding to help respond to unprecedented levels of demand for food relief.

The Foodbank Hunger Report 2023 highlighted that the cost of living is crippling households across the country and there is compelling evidence that the situation has deteriorated in recent months. Despite this, base funding for Foodbank Australia, SecondBite and OzHarvest remains at an embarrassingly low $1.3m per year – combined.

Brianna Casey, CEO of Foodbank Australia, says,

“The Prime Minister is committed to introducing cost of living relief. One of the most obvious solutions that would provide immediate relief to those already struggling would be to bolster support for the food relief sector. This would be a targeted and sensible investment capable of ensuring fresh fruit and vegetables, protein and pantry staples are available to community members most affected by the current crisis.”

Daniel Moorfield, CEO of SecondBite echoed this saying:

“While we are dealing with a cost-of-living crisis that knows no bounds, we’re also preparing for and responding to flash flooding, yet another cyclone record temperatures sweeping in from the west. There is only so much we can do without more meaningful support from the Federal Government.”

According to Ronni Kahn AO, CEO and Founder of OzHarvest:

“Despite more people than ever before needing food relief due to the unrelenting strain on household budgets, the level of funding for the national food relief sector remains woefully inadequate. We are seeing unprecedented demand with long queues every day at our free supermarket, and many of the charities we support say they could take double the amount of food. Government action is long overdue.”

Through its pre-budget submission, the food relief sector has made the case for $50m per annum to be provided to the three organisations to help meet community need for food relief. This comprises $10m for additional capacity, $20m from each round of the Disaster Ready Fund and $20m for emergency food relief following a crisis or natural disaster.

Food Relief CEOs. Brianna Casey Foodbank Australia. Daniel Moorfield SecondBite. Ronni Kahn OzHarvest

Food Relief CEOs. Brianna Casey Foodbank Australia. Daniel Moorfield SecondBite. Ronni Kahn OzHarvest

What happens when the Interest Rate goes up?

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The Foodbank Hunger Report 2023, revealed 35 percent of all mortgage holders and half of all renters experienced food insecurity in the past 12 months. 

On the first Tuesday of every month, like many Australians across the country, we at Foodbank wait bated breath to see if the Reserve Bank of Australia will increase the Cash Rate or not. Why? Every time the decision is made to increase the Cash Rate, we see an increase in the number of people searching for food relief. This isn’t coincidence. It’s cause and effect.

Foodbank ‘Find Food’ Searched Against Cash Rate

interest rise impact on food relief searches

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With every Cash Rate or interest rate rise, we know the number of clicks on our Find Food button goes up.

The Find Food button takes you to Food Relief providers in your local community. It is often the first step for many who are struggling to put food on the table.

We have been tracking the hits to this very vital button against the monthly Cash Rate announcements since August 2022, and it’s plain to see there is a scary correlation of Australians sourcing food relief when that rate rise is announced. 

Food is the pressure valve for many household budgets. It is often the first item people cut back on when trying to make ends meet, with 94 percent of those hurting coped through shifting spend on food and groceries.

If you or someone you know needs food relief, please don’t delay and hit that Find Food button.

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