Queensland Food Relief Providers Call for Minister for Food to Tackle Growing Food Insecurity Crisis

Foodbank Queensland has joined forces with leading charities OzHarvest, SecondBite and FareShare and to call for the establishment of a dedicated Minister for Food as the state grapples with an escalating food insecurity crisis.

The move, which would be an Australian-first, aims to address the complex and mounting challenges facing the food system and ensure every Queenslander has access to safe, nutritious and culturally appropriate food.

The collective efforts of Foodbank Queensland, OzHarvest, SecondBite and FareShare provide a lifeline to millions of Queenslanders, distributing more than 22 million kilograms of food and grocery relief each year, equivalent to a staggering 46 million meals. 

Yet the sector is struggling under an unprecedented surge in demand driven by the cost-of-living crisis and natural disasters.

Foodbank Queensland Chief Executive Officer Jess Watkinson said a Minister for Food would provide the focus and coordination needed to ensure that food security is a top priority for the state government.

“The number of Queenslanders struggling to put food on the table is reaching alarming levels – 1 in 5 households each year to be exact. We need a coordinated and strategic approach to address the root causes of food insecurity and build a more resilient food system for the future,” Ms Watkinson said.

“This groundbreaking role would be an Australian first, demonstrating Queensland’s commitment to tackling food insecurity head-on. The Minister would oversee the development of a food relief strategy and investment plan, coordinate government responses and drive efforts to reduce food waste across the state.

“A dedicated Minister would also be in line with recommendations from the House Standing Committee on Agriculture report Australian Food Story: Feeding the Nation and Beyond, which investigates Australia’s food security amidst challenges such as climate change, biosecurity threats and supply chain disruptions.”

OzHarvest Queensland Manager, Michaela Windsor said urgent action was long overdue to address this ongoing issue in the state.

“Nearly 70% of the charities we support say they desperately need more food to meet demand. There are so many new people seeking food relief for the first time in their lives – some have to line up for over two hours to receive fresh fruit and vegetables,” Ms Windsor said.

“In a country that produces enough food to feed everyone, this should not be happening. Queensland has the opportunity to lead the way and tackle these issues head on with a Minister for Food.”

The Queensland food relief sector has also called for the establishment of a food systems taskforce, to better ensure Queenslanders have access to healthy food in sufficient amounts, and the development of a food relief strategy and investment plan.

“A thorough food relief plan is essential to help ensure the food relief sector remains adequately resourced for the short-term, while planning is undertaken for medium and long-term investment,” Ms Watkinson said.

The food relief sector is urging all political parties to commit to these priorities in the lead-up to the state election so every Queenslander has access to the food they need to thrive.

Cooking Classes Creating Cross Generational and Community Connections

St Alban’s North Primary School jumped at the chance to bring the Cooking Class program, to their students. In addition to the regular benefits this program brings, fostering community involvement, and promoting healthy eating habits, the school had another motive. They wanted to strengthen family bonds within their community.

We know that food brings people together. And by inviting students, siblings and their parents to the cooking classes, the school together with the School Breakfast Clubs Program Cooking Classes offered an opportunity for students and their families to engage in a shared activity and foster stronger connections.

And that it did! The classes successfully drew in families who were previously not engaged in school activities. Students were able to work together with their siblings and parents in both a productive and enjoyable setting.

“We wanted to provide a positive experience for (the families) where they could work together to create something and then share it at the end. The cooking Classes were perfect and the way Foodbank provides the food hampers to take home gives an opportunity for them to repeat the process of working together in the home environment, hopefully building some teamwork, respect and tolerance.” said assistant principal Rob Guppy.

Creating Connections

The families that took part in Cooking Classes appreciated the chance to spend quality time with their children while learning about healthy cooking. One parent noted, “The Cooking Classes program was a fantastic opportunity for us to bond as a family and learn new recipes. My children were thrilled to see me at school and work together on something so fun and educational.”

The Cooking Classes experience and learning extends beyond the classroom, giving students practical experiences that enhance their teamwork and problem-solving skills, not just at school, but in the home. The food hampers provided mean that families can continue building on their in school positive experiences and connections, at home.

One parent, who attended with her prep student, also brought her year seven son along – on his birthday no less. She loved that it was a fun and educational activity they could do as a family, noting that group activities catering to varying age groups can be difficult. (As is bonding with a teenager!)

Testimonials

From the school’s perspective, the Cooking Classes have been a tremendous success. They saw quite a few of the participants try sushi and rice paper rolls for the first time. Assistant Principal Rob Guppy said “the cooking classes are a fantastic initiative that helps bring families together and educates them on healthy cooking. Our school saw benefits with parents and students working together, as well as families mixing with each other which was great to see.”

Community Partner Story

The Rock Family & Community Support

Founded in 2001, Foodlink, operated by The Rock Family and Community Support Inc., helps hundreds of families each month. Assisting families and individuals, the team at Foodlink works hard to ensure that no one in their community goes hungry. They help these families and individuals by providing essential food parcels and support to those in need, as they state,

“Our mission and aim are to provide care for families, youth, or anyone who is under financial pressure from daily living in the Redlands area and beyond.”

Supported by The Rock Christian Church, local donations, and as a Foodbank Member Charity, Foodlink operates with compassion, providing nourishment to all, regardless of circumstance.

“No prerequisites, no barriers. Our doors are open wide, embracing everyone seeking support, without conditions or strict requirements.”

With dedication and heart, they assemble a minimum of 50 parcels of essential goods each week, serving as a lifeline to those in need. Lucy, Foodlink Manager explained:

“One week’s busier than the other with the pension week. We do emergency relief parcels as well… we have helped a lot of people.” – Lucy

Open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9am to 2pm, hampers are ordered online and are collected at the Foodlink centre. Priced at $50, these large hampers include many essential groceries including protein, fruit and vegetables, bread, cereals, pasta and sauces. The variety and quantity of each hamper is impressive. Foodlink recognises that people’s dietary preferences and restrictions vary. To overcome this obstacle, they’ve implemented a compassionate system that allows people to select their preferred foods from a regularly updated list.

Foodlink’s outreach extends to young families, offering vital support, especially during this cost-of-living crisis. Rachel*, a grateful mother of five, shared that: “(The hamper) will last us about a week for a family of five. The fruit and veg, I don’t have to get anything else from anywhere else. The bread, I get enough for us, and I give some to my grandfather who can’t drive and my mum as well.”– Rachel*

Her heartfelt gratitude echoes the impact of Foodlink’s efforts and displays the profound impact the centre is having on the Redland community.

Rachel’s testimony also highlights the importance of addressing both immediate needs and nurturing a supportive community among those in need. Many who are faced with choosing between paying a bill or food can find relief and comfort in knowing centres like Foodlink exist, as Lucy explained, “There are a lot of young families that once they come in and once, they see that parcel, they just start to cry. Because they’ve got nothing, no food. Especially people with children. We see, people coming in and they’re just blown away.”

With Foodbank’s assistance, Foodlink can access a diverse range of essential items, enabling them to tailor their hampers to meet the specific needs of individuals and families in their community “We really appreciate Foodbank.” – Lucy

As the demand for their services grows, Foodbank Queensland calls upon the community to join the fight against hunger. Through regular giving and support, together, we can ensure no one in Queensland goes without a meal.

If you are in a position to help Foodbank Queensland provide more food across the state to support Queenslanders in need, please consider joining the fight against hunger as a regular giver.

Community Partner Story Global Care Bundaberg

In a city known for its famous ginger beer, rum, and sugarcane, a silent epidemic is happening. Hunger.

Fighting this unseen epidemic is The Citicoast Pantry, a not-for-profit initiative of the Citicoast Church and Global Care. Their goal is to love and support the local community of Bundaberg. They’re doing exactly this through their storefront that stocks a wonderful variety of low-cost groceries and household supplies.

This low-cost grocery space has no barriers to entry, everyone and anyone is welcome to shop at The Citicoast Pantry. Each week, great savings and weekly specials can be found on a variety of groceries and fresh produce. To stock this pantry, The Citicoast Pantry works with a number of food rescue organisations and local businesses. One such organisation that has been there from the start is Foodbank Queensland.

In 2011, following the devastating floods that impacted the Bundaberg region, many displaced residents were in desperate need of assistance. Citicoast Church came to the rescue, providing food and shelter for many.

“Citicoast was one of the major points of operation as far as getting food and necessities out to families that were displaced from the flood. At that stage, we were solely operating out of the church. We opened the church and cleared out the pews. We put food out on tables every week.“ – Pastor Adam

During this emergency, Foodbank Queensland was pivotal in supporting Citicoast with the products their community desperately needed. After seeing an ongoing need in the community, Citicoast Church decided that the Bundaberg community needed, “something substantial and permanent.” – Pastor Adam

And so, The Citicoast Pantry was officially created. After renovating their shed, The Citicoast Pantry is a place where individuals and families can shop with dignity while grabbing some incredibly low-cost groceries. Store Manager Charissa explained:

“Our approach ensures that people have access to food without relying on handouts. This helps to restore dignity while also filling a need. Offering food at a low price not only improves their well-being, but also helps them save money, meaning they can afford more expensive items when needed.” – Charissa

Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 10am to 2pm, The Citicoast Pantry serves over 100 people per day, but this figure is rising. They have steadily seen an increase as the cost-of-living pressures continue to impact people who have never felt the pinch of their wallet before, Charissa explained:

“Many families are facing challenges right now, especially those with school-aged children, who are struggling these days due to a lack of support.” – Charissa

The Citicoast Pantry also supports Foodbank Queensland’s School Breakfast Program. This sees The Citicoast Pantry collect school breakfast staples such as cereal, tinned fruit and UHT milk from Foodbank Queensland. Schools across Bundaberg collect these products from The Citicoast Pantry for their School Breakfast Program’s to ensure that students start their day with a nutritious meal, promoting better focus and performance in their studies.

On top of this, the Citicoast Pantry provides 40-50 emergency hampers per month, for individuals and families who are in desperate need. These hampers hold not only food and essentials but also hope. The hope that with a full stomach, and one less thing to worry about, individuals and families can get back on their feet.

That’s exactly what service users of The Citicoast Pantry are achieving, with many coming back to share with Charissa and the team how they have helped.

“We were able to provide ongoing food support to a gentleman throughout his struggling years, and he is now returning with friends. He’s secured a house and has said to us, ‘I’m going keep shopping with you and I’ll continue to support you for all that you have done for me.’”- Charissa

This service provides both food and connection for many throughout the Bundaberg region. As Pastor Adam expressed, “It gives us inroads into lives that we might not have had access to without the food. Offering someone a helping hand and putting something in their fridge for them, is a connect point.”– Pastor Adam

Many service users The Citicoast Pantry is now servicing are homeless or homeless insecure who are in jobs and are working but are still unable to meet the increased rent. On top of this, the rental crisis in regional Queensland means there are just not enough houses available to rent. To make ends meet, Citicoast Pantry is doing all that they can to help the Bundaberg community. By supporting Foodbank Queensland, you are also supporting organisations like The Citicoast Pantry, as Charissa explained:

“We get to see the tears of relief when people realise they can access affordable food at The Citicoast Pantry. Without the donations to Foodbank, many people would have nothing on their table most nights. We see it in their faces, it truly means the world to them.”– Charissa

As the demand for their services grows, Foodbank Queensland calls upon Queenslanders to join the fight against hunger. Through regular giving and support, together, we can ensure no one in Queensland goes without a meal.

If you are in a position to help Foodbank Queensland provide more food across the state to support Queenslanders in need, please consider joining the fight against hunger as a regular giver.

Community Partner Story Impact Food Outlet

The Impact Food Outlet, led by Darryl, Mari-shell and their dedicated team at Impact Community Services, stands out from the busy Pacific Highway. The Food Outlet was started in partnership with Foodbank Queensland six years ago. Campus Pastor Mari-shell shares the story of filling her small car’s backseat with a tuckerbox esky filled with food from the Foodbank Distribution Centre in Morningside. Mari-shell would then travel back to Impact Community Services multiple times a week to restock the pantry, supporting those facing hunger with nutritious food.

From these humble beginnings, the Impact Food Outlet has grown into a crucial resource providing food to over 18,500 people every year. Food Outlet Manager Darryl shares that the Outlet offers heavily discounted groceries for those in need, restoring dignity while offering companionship and a sense of belonging for thousands in the greater Logan region. Every day, Impact volunteers skillfully manage challenges to ensure that no one in their community goes hungry or without support.

“Foodbank has empowered us to do this. It’s all happened from a seed to form all of this, which is amazing!” Impact’s Lead Pastor Tony shares.

What began as a service operating just two days a week has grown to serve the community five days a week, with customers travelling from the local area and as far as Gatton.

“We’re more than feeding people, we’re getting involved and helping people through support services, counselling, finances and financial management, payment of bills, domestic violence, unplanned pregnancies and arranged marriages.” – Tony.

Darryl shares that everyone who enters the Impact Food Outlet has a story, and the team ensures they are heard and support is offered, emphasising the profound impact of offering food with no judgment, only warmth. The community supported through the Impact Food Outlet know it isn’t just about feeding people through affordable groceries. Impact Food Outlet is about nourishing souls, bridging divides, and fostering a community where everyone feels valued and supported.

“There is no judgement, there is no stigma, and everyone is welcome.” – Darryl.

Impact Community Services is proud of the positive outcomes they have achieved through their years of selfless service. In partnership with Foodbank Queensland, they are having a significant impact in addressing food insecurity in the local community.

They assist elderly community members to find purpose in volunteering, ease the burden of single parents who visit, and provide food and groceries to those facing cancer or have mounting medical bills.

Pastor Mari-shell recently assisted a mother through the domestic violence crisis care at Impact Community Services, who was living week to week with three children to feed.

Mari-shell shares, “She said it’s safe, nonjudgmental and she is just so appreciative of what we can do.”

Tony continued, “We don’t want people to feel a sense of shame; we want them to feel normal and just be able to come and make use of everything that we have here.”

Tony continues, “All of that came as a result of this little shop starting.”

Working in partnership with Foodbank Queensland has made a difference for the local community.

Your generosity makes an incredible difference far beyond what you could imagine for the people of Logan, and beyond. Just incredible.” – Tony.

If you are in a position to help Foodbank Queensland provide more food across the state to support Queenslanders in need, please consider joining the fight against hunger as a regular giver.

Community Partner Story Lovewell Foundation

The Lovewell Café in Mount Gravatt is a bustling social enterprise, providing opportunities for women experiencing hardship. A sign at the entry to the café reads, Every sip of coffee here contributes to a woman’s ability to stand tall, rebuild and thrive within their community.

It’s a sanctuary of second chances for women throughout Brisbane.

Second chances come with expectations, and meeting these expectations ensure women at Lovewell succeed while participating in the Foundation’s support programs. Women who seek refuge and renewal at the Lovewell Foundation are overcoming addiction, abuse, among other challenges.

As a Foodbank Queensland Member, Lovewell Foundation provides crucial support including food for emergency and crisis packs, ensuring these women have the resources needed to rebuild their lives.

Annie, the passionate Director of Lovewell, speaks of the support given to women through Foodbank Queensland, including the importance of non-food items that restores dignity when at their lowest.

“Items like shampoo and toothpaste are expensive. Women in the Lovewell Foundation are still in crisis or have nothing,” says Annie.

While some women are shunned by their family and friends, they maintain connections with their pets who have a profound role in their recovery.

“It is so important they have their pets, many of our women have lost their children for a period of time. For those who have gone through trauma, dogs are so important to them,” Annie says.

Foodbank Queensland provides pet supplies including pet food and kitty litter, products that play a crucial role in supporting Lovewell women and their beloved animals.

Annie shares that food provided by Foodbank Queensland has enabled the creation of a special program focused on teaching women how to cook with just four basic pantry ingredients. This initiative was designed not only to equip women with essential cooking skills, but also to increase their independence and confidence. Additionally, the meals prepared by the women under the guidance of the Lovewell Café team were distributed to other women in need. This approach provides practical skills and nourishment, as well as furthering the supportive cycle of giving and receiving within the Lovewell community.

The success stories are inspiring; one woman who was given her last chance has since turned her life around and now contributes back to the Lovewell community.

“It’s about building a new tribe, because everyone needs a tribe. You don’t need to wear that label anymore, because you’re here,” says Annie.

Annie shares her own experiences, having personally dealt with domestic violence and single motherhood. Despite facing significant challenges, Annie’s story is about surviving and maintaining hope while raising her child on her own. “I lived for a reason”, she shares.

Sunflower Place, an initiative of Lovewell Foundation, provides a path forward for women facing crises across Brisbane. Offering financial workshops and employment training, these programs provide vulnerable women with essential skills to pursue meaningful careers. At the Lovewell Café, women receive training and employment opportunities in a supportive community where they have the confidence to rebuild and thrive. In the Better Futures Program, women participate in practical workshops to plan their future, guided by mentors with similar lived experiences.

Annie emphasises that the success of program participants hinges on hard work, punctuality and collaboration. As the women of Lovewell forge paths of empowerment and recovery, Lovewell stands as a testament to transforming adversity into opportunity, with every sip of coffee and every compassionate gesture.

“This is my dream because this is now full circle. These programs are now supporting other women and it is incredible that they have rebuilt their lives and have got employment that they feel they can now give back,” says Annie.

As a Member of Foodbank Queensland, Lovewell Foundation is supported through food and pantry items that significantly impact women in crisis. When asked on the impact of food relief through the generosity of Foodbank Queensland donors, Annie shares, “It makes a difference. Even though these women may not know who you are, you are significant in their lives and journey, and we thank you.”

If you are in a position to help Foodbank Queensland provide more food across the state to support Queenslanders in need, please consider joining the fight against hunger as a regular giver.

Bo-Anne’s story

“It made a huge difference to us. I don’t even know where we’d be now.”

Bo-Anne isn’t your average homeowner. Sure, there’s the pride in her eyes as she surveys her freshly cleaned kitchen, but there’s something more – a warmth that reflects the journey that brought her here. It’s a journey paved with challenges, but also one where a helping hand from Foodbank WA made all the difference. 

As a single mum of three, Bo-Anne’s world revolves around her children. But when her son, just 20 months old at the time, needed a kidney transplant, life took a dramatic turn. Caring for him became a full-time job, pushing career stability aside. The rising cost-of-living felt like a constant weight and food became a worry.  

“I was real low,” Bo-Anne confesses. “These things were just taking their toll.” 

A visit to Centrelink for rent relief led Bo-Anne to Foodbank WA. It wasn’t just the food that made a difference, it was a lifeline. “Obviously you have the overheads of your housing first so when you get to food, it slides down that scale of the level of importance. It’s so hard because you have to make choices about what your kids are eating”. By easing the pressure of food costs, Bo-Anne could start to think about solutions.  

That solution came in the form of a single parent homeowner’s grant. With Foodbank’s support and the security of a home, her life began to transform. No longer burdened by high rents, she could finally focus on building a brighter future for her children. 

“It made a huge difference to us. I don’t even know where we’d be now,” Bo-Anne says with gratitude. “Foodbank gives you that ability to still give your kids healthy meals without sacrificing being able to pay your other bills.” 

Bo-Anne’s story isn’t just about overcoming challenges, it’s about the power of community connections. She also credits the Byford Community Centre, one of our charity partners and another vital piece of the support system she found. “They offer food hampers for a gold-coin donation, they help quite a lot. Quite a bit of the food they provide comes from Foodbank and community donations.”  

Looking back, Bo-Anne’s advice is clear: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s not embarrassing. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. The world’s a tough place.” 

Today she stands proudly in her own home, a testament to her strength and the power of a helping hand. Looking back at her sparkling kitchen, it’s hard to imagine the struggles she faced. Foodbank, along with our state-wide network, played a vital role in helping her build a secure and nourishing future for her family. 

Together, we can build a future where every Western Australian family thrives. Let’s ensure success stories like Bo-Anne’s become the norm, not the exception. 

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Free, fresh food – that’s what’s making these students smile!

Picture this. You’ve just gotten home to cook yourself a filling meal for dinner… only you’re living off a Uni student’s budget. What kind of ingredients spring to mind?

If 2-minute noodles and baked beans are what popped into your head, you’d be spot on. That’s the reality international students are facing across Australia, according to a recent study from Allianz Partners, as part of their State of Student Healthcare Report.

International students contribute a whopping $34 billion into our economy each year, and in return? The current cost of living crisis has meant that more than a third of international students in Australia can’t afford fresh fruit and veggies in their weekly shop.

Luckily, not all those students have to go hungry thanks to Allianz Partners, who have partnered with Foodbank Australia to help supply the fresh food and pantry staples students so urgently need.

Our first international student food market took place this July, with more markets to follow across Uni campuses throughout Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, offering students attending the markets the opportunity to “shop” for free fruit, veggies and pantry essentials.

Thanks to our friends at Allianz Partners, these markets have helped us fill the fridges and pantries of so many international students who would otherwise be going without, right across the country – meaning no more pot noodle dinners in these student’s futures, as far as the eye can see!

Every $1 donated is 2 meals created

The new centres of our universe.

Km’s away from Melbourne, two new Foodbank ‘satellites’ are sending out fresh, healthy, seasonal food…

You probably heard the cheers all through regional Victoria, as we officially opened our Community Food Centres in both Ballarat and Morwell.

Serving as a hub, or should we say ‘hug’, for local regional communities built in partnership with Vic Government.

With your support, these centres mean that fresh, chilled and frozen food no longer needs to be trucked in from Foodbank’s Yarraville warehouse, so local charities can directly access the healthy, nutritious food they need. Exciting times ahead…

Help Victorians doing it tough

Dippity doo da – what a recipe!

We show our love and gratitude through food, so here’s a tasty little treat from us to you with thanks…

Longer days, birds chirping, flowers blooming, and green everywhere we look. Inspiring, right?

Enjoy this fresh Spring recipe from our Cooking Class team that is green, light and kindergarten level easy!

Spring Pea Dip

Serves – 4
Prep Time – 15 mins

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
2 cups frozen peas
2 avocados
lemon, juiced
200g feta
1 cup mint
1/3 cup dill

Method

1. Cover the frozen peas with boiling water and allow them to warm up. Then strain.

2. In a food processor, add the peas, avocado, mint, dill, feta and lemon juice. Pulse until smooth.

3. Serve with carrot sticks or on crusty bread with a sprinkle of sumac, and black pepper. Or however takes your fancy!