For many Western Australians experiencing food stress however, healthy eating can be out of reach.

When budgets are tight, cheaper, highly-processed foods often replace fresh fruit, vegetables and wholegrains. This lack of access to nutritious food can contribute to feelings of fatigue, irritability and low mood, creating a cycle that makes everyday life even more challenging. 

At Foodbank we believe that improving nutrition is a simple yet powerful way to support mental health wellbeing. Fresh, nutrient-rich food such as leafy greens, lean protein and wholefoods provide the vitamins, minerals and fibres that fuel brain function and emotional resilience. 

To support this philosophy, more than a year ago, we rolled out our free fresh fruit and vegetable model ensuring our customers have access to in-season fresh fruit and vegetables year-round. We also have worked hard behind the scenes to secure funding to ensure we have a constant supply of our Everyday Food Essentials range, which currently includes 20 staple items such as pasta, rice, tuna and pasta sauce – with the range soon expanding to include almost 60 items. We are also constantly working to build up our protein supply with some of our most generous partners. 

In addition to this, our School Breakfast Program now in its 25th year, supports approximately 25,600 children in 550 schools each week, ensuring that kids start their school day with a full stomach and energy to focus, and get along with others.

We also believe that nutrition education plays a vital role in empowering people of all ages, backgrounds – to make healthy choices and build a brighter future, one meal at a time. We have been delivering evidence-based nutrition education to school-aged children, adults, parents of children 0-5, people with disability and youth for more than 16 years. 

As Western Australia continues to face rising living costs, the link between nutrition and mental health has never been more important.  

By addressing food insecurity and nutrition, were not only filling empty stomachs but also helping to strengthen the mental health and resilience of communities across the state.  

With aprons on and sleeves rolled up, participants worked side by side – with the ultimate mystery box challenge – to create nutritious meals during an impactful and immersive experience which placed participants into the shoes of those facing food insecurity to understand the vital role Foodbank WA plays in supporting them. 

Participants started out the morning by being given scenario cards which outlined their task for the day – which included navigating the challenges of budgeting and shopping for nutritious meals, just as Foodbank WA’s customers do – in our warehouse shop. They then cooked their meals with the help of a chef and provided tastings back to the customers. 

The shopping portion of the morning presented an additional challenge; participants had just $14 to spend on ingredients which is the average amount of money people in food stress have to spend on living daily. 

The event provided an opportunity to collaborate with local business executives, food producers, supporters, CEOs and community leaders. 

Thank you to our wonderful Meal Makers who took on the challenge, together we created a positive and real impact in our community. 

No that’s a real recipe for impact!