With her partner in hospital on life support, Rachel struggles to feed her children 

When Rachel and her partner moved to Queensland from New Zealand last year, their lives were full of possibility. With two young children, Sophie and Molly, and the promise of a good job, they were excited about the future.  

Then, the company her husband worked for went out of business. He soon found work driving trucks, and they moved into their own place, when that company shut down as well. 

“A week before Christmas, my partner lost his job. I managed to find somewhere that would send us a food hamper. When it comes to food for my kids, I’ll do anything for them.” – Rachel 

All over Queensland, people like Rachel are experiencing desperate hardship after a sudden change in their circumstances. It’s a heartbreaking situation – and one far too many families are facing right now, with so many livelihoods lost to COVID-19. 

Just as the young family were getting back on their feet, Rachel’s partner suffered a stroke, only two months after starting a new job. With their father’s life hanging in the balance, Rachel’s two young children need your support more than ever. 

“He had a stroke while driving and has been in hospital since June. He’s got some movement, but he can’t hear you. He’s on life support. I try to do odd jobs to make a bit of money so I can catch the bus to visit him, otherwise I walk. I’ve been trying to keep positive.” – Rachel 

Food hampers are a lifeline for families like Rachel’s. 

“The food hampers have helped me out so much. We were even invited to a Christmas party last year, which was beautiful.” – Rachel

With your generosity, Foodbank Queensland can help make sure families like Rachel’s do not go hungry at Christmas.  

Every $1 you donate will provide two nutritious meals to someone facing hunger this Christmas.

Sudden unemployment left Camille seeking food relief for the first time.

“During COVID-19, the restaurants and cafés closed, so, unfortunately, I lost my four jobs.” – Camille

Camille never imagined that, when she came to Australia to study, a global pandemic would leave her jobless and unable to afford life’s necessities, miles away from home.

Before COVID-19, Camille was busy working four casual jobs and studying at a local Brisbane university. However, COVID-19 lockdowns forced the restaurants and cafes where she was working to close down. Although she tried to apply for many other jobs, nowhere was hiring.

As an international student from France, Camille was unable to access any Government assistance. Luckily, some of her friends told her about one of Foodbank Queensland’s Member Charities where she could receive much needed support.

Being able to access food relief meant Camille could focus on trying to pay her rent.

“During COVID-19 I was eating so much less. As a student here, I had no money.” – Camille

When it comes to COVID-19 causing hunger in the community, young adults have been hit the hardest, with significant numbers of casual employees and international students like Camille reaching out for help for the very first time.

Sadly, 65% of hungry Queenslanders aged 18-25 are going without food at least once a week – significantly more than any other age group.

Camille was so inspired by the food relief charity providing essential groceries to people in need, that she began volunteering there once a week.

“Food relief really makes a big difference for people who need it.” – Camille

Your generosity will help people like Camille receive the essential groceries they need to get back on their feet. Thank you for making a difference.

Every $1 you donate will provide two nutritious meals to someone facing hunger like Camille. 

Far North Queensland community provides vital support to Queenslanders in need.

Did you know Foodbank Queensland receives generous donations of food and groceries from farmers, manufacturers and retailers all around Queensland? In fact, some of our largest food donations come from Far North Queensland.

Karden, a banana grower in Innisfail, is one of Foodbank Queensland’s largest banana donors in the state. Owner, Shane Cini, said it is very rewarding knowing that their donations are helping Queenslanders suffering from hunger.

“We donate to Foodbank Queensland because it is a great opportunity to be to be part of an organisation that is supporting those in need. It also helps us reduce waste on the farm,”
Shane said.

Australian Banana Company is another reliable donor of bananas in the area, helping us provide fresh fruit and vegetables to Queenslanders experiencing a hunger crisis.

Sadly, many of our food donors have been affected by the events of  this year, including drought, bushfires and COVID-19. However, they have continued their commitment to Foodbank Queensland in ways that inspire us.

This year, when demand for relief was higher than ever before, Koorelah Farms very generously increased their donation and supplied more than 300,000 kilograms of tomatoes. That’s 60,000 shopping bags full of tomatoes to help even more Queenslanders facing severe hardship due to COVID-19.

Other generous food donors in Far North Queensland include Dobe Farming, Double D Produce, CHEP Australia, The Outback Pie Co., Phantom Produce and Lowe and Sons.

Not only does the Far North Queensland community donate essential food and groceries, but local transport providers, including Lindsay Transport and Bootooloo Transport, donate their time and resources to support the transport needs of many Foodbank Queensland food donors.

We couldn’t do what we do without the support of our incredible food donors and generous members of the community.

If you’re in the food industry and are interested in becoming a food donor, please click here.