Stocking the shelves of charities

Our story started in 1994 with a simple vision: to be the pantry for the charity sector. Our first warehouse in Belmont acted as a central hub, connecting surplus food with local charities who provided vital support to those struggling in their communities. We were the quiet force behind the scenes, ensuring they had the resources needed to fill plates across WA.

Growing alongside the need

As the need for food relief grew beyond Perth’s metro area, so did we. We expanded regionally, establishing branches in Albany, Peel, Kalgoorlie, Geraldton, and Bunbury. Witnessing the rising tide of hunger across the state fuelled our determination to reach every corner of Western Australia. 

A shop for more than charities

By 2018, the landscape has shifted. The demand for food relief has skyrocketed, placing immense pressure on our charity partners. Recognising this, we made a groundbreaking decision: to open our doors directly to individuals and families.

Late in 2018, our “shop” concept was born. Through a referral system with our trusted charity partners, individuals in need could now access a welcoming space filled with essential groceries. This not only alleviated the burden on charities but also empowered people to choose the food that best suited their families. 

Bringing our shop to you

Access to food is just as important as availability. In 2019, we launched the iconic “purple hero” – the Mobile Foodbank. This innovative solution brought the shop directly to communities where transportation was a challenge. Today, the Mobile Foodbank visits over 60 locations across Western Australia, a testament to our dedication to meeting people where they are.

Our shop has come a long way, from empowering charities to directly supporting individuals and families. Through constant innovation and a commitment to accessibility, we’re ensuring a brighter future for food security across Western Australia. We’re incredibly grateful to our network of volunteers, donors, and partners who’ve helped us create a welcoming “shop” experience for all.  

But thanks to our great partnerships with amazing donors such as growers, supermarkets and the wonderful people at Perth Markets we are rescuing food that might otherwise be wasted and destined for landfill. Those “funny-looking” tomatoes or “too-small” avocados – food that’s perfectly good but not quite supermarket shelf-worthy.

This is how we help get meals to those who need it most.

Our story starts with strong relationships. Supermarkets with a surplus, farms with “ugly” but incredibly nutritious produce, even kind-hearted neighbours with a bumper crop – all donate their perfectly good but maybe not-so-perfect-looking food to Foodbank.

From growers to Foodbank

Every morning, we are on the frontlines at Perth Markets rescuing fresh fruit and vegetables.

With over 50 wholesalers, five regular donors and a handful of donors who give when they can, the Perth Markets play a key role in helping us connect with growers and rescuing their produce. Every day, we average six pallets – bananas, cauliflower, broccoli, apples – you name it. Mondays are extra special, as we scoop up what hasn’t found a home after the weekend markets.

But it doesn’t stop there. 169 kilometres south of Perth, our dedicated volunteers in Bunbury make weekly trips to pick up excess produce directly from growers in the South West, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Once at Foodbank food and groceries are sorted with care, ensuring everything is fresh and ready for its next chapter.

Some items are displayed on our shop floors, perfect for families on a tight budget. Others are packed into Mobile Foodbank hampers, delivered straight to communities in need. And anything left over? Sent straight to our Community Kitchen to be made into a delicious and nutritious meal.

We’re smart about sustainability too. A clever cycling system gets our collection tubs back to suppliers and growers quickly, and a waste station partnership helps us responsibly discard any unsuitable items.

Giving produce a third fourth life

Our Community Kitchen isn’t just about delicious ready-made meals, it’s about fighting waste. Our Chef and crew of volunteers transform soon-to-expire ingredients into nutritious and delicious meals. These meals are distributed through our branches, Mobile Foodbank and charity partners, reaching those who need them most.

Our network is about much more than just feeding people. We’re passionate about protecting our environment too. Thanks to our Community Kitchen, we’ve slashed our food waste from 11% to just 4%.

So, what happens to that 4%? Well, even that gets a new lease on life. Unusable food scraps are donated to Richgro where they become valuable fertiliser, nourishing the soil and completing the circle of life.

By minimising waste, we’re helping to create a more sustainable future for all.

Join us in feeding change

Want to be part of the story? Learn how you can volunteer, donate or even share some perfectly good “wonky” produce. Because at Foodbank, we believe that good food belongs on plates, not in landfills.