FOODBANK NSW & ACT CEO MESSAGE

I’m delighted to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is John Robertson and I recently came on board as Foodbank NSW & ACT Chief Executive Officer.

The first role I ever had at Foodbank was over a decade ago, as a volunteer. Like you, I wanted to make a difference. I’ve been right there on the front line, packing hampers and driving vehicles, and sometimes had the privilege to meet the people who needed those hampers. The expressions on their faces when they received our support – it showed me why we do what we do. To bring relief, happiness and hope, where there was none.

 

Foodbank NSW & ACT CEO

I’ve spent most of my working life helping people through the careers I have had, and I know you understand that feeling. It brings purpose to your life, doesn’t it? I know this is why you are a passionate supporter of Foodbank – because you understand that living with hunger is incredibly tough.

Because it’s not just about food, it’s about opportunity. Parents who put food to one side to pay bills begin to lose hope. Kids who go to school with empty lunchboxes can’t concentrate on their schoolwork. It’s not just about today, tonight, or tomorrow, it’s about the future. That’s why your generosity is so, so important. You’re creating new opportunities, new hope.

After serving as Chief Operating Officer at Foodbank over the past three years, this role has given me a whole fresh insight into the power of collective effort – and the importance of your contribution to that effort. It’s such an honour to be leading a team that wakes up every day ready to bring hope and fight hunger, and you are critical to this team. Because we could not do what we do without you.

Please, don’t ever underestimate the value of your donation. When I was working behind the scenes, I was amazed at how far even one dollar would go. The economies of scale we have at Foodbank can convert that one dollar into two meals, 10 dollars to 20 meals… and on and on. When we pool every single donation together, that’s support for entire communities going through tough times.

Every day, I’m humbled by the spirit of the Aussie families we support, and thankful for people like you, who open your heart to make a difference.

So, thank you so much for all that you do. We couldn’t feed hope without you.

John Robertson
CEO Foodbank NSW & ACT

More students to benefit from School Breakfast Clubs

January 2021

We’re excited to announce our School Breakfast Clubs Program has reached a milestone with 1,000 schools now participating across Victoria, allowing more students to learn with a full stomach and get the most out of school.

More than 15 million nutritious meals have been served to students since the program’s launch in 2016. Delivered in partnership with the Victorian Government, the program providing free breakfasts for kids at participating Victorian schools.

In 2021, the program will be delivered to 1,000 schools, providing free breakfasts, lunches and school holiday supplies to those most in need, as well as a Cooking Classes Program for parents and children at selected schools.

Despite the transition to remote and flexible learning in Term 2 and 3 2020, more that 2.5 million meals were delivered to students ensuring no student went hungry.

In Term 4, a further 1.2 million meals were provided to students, along with over 6,700 school holiday packs to support students and their families over the summer holidays.

Foodbank Victoria CEO, Dave McNamara, is thrilled to see this vital program delivered in more schools.

“Since 2016, Foodbank Victoria has been proud to deliver this vital program providing healthy meals to kids who might otherwise go without, giving them a happy, healthy start to the day.”

The School Breakfast Clubs program provides more than just nutritious food – it improves concentration, builds social skills, and gives kids a better chance to create a bright future for themselves through learning,” he says. 

Read more School Breakfast Club stories

Thank you for your support throughout 2020!

Eaglehawk Community House

Tracey and the team Eaglehawk Community House Inc worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to help people in need within their community and the surrounding areas in Bendigo. We are proud to support such a dedicated team.

Meet our Charity Partners

Queensland children at risk of going hungry this Christmas

New research from Foodbank Queensland reveals two-thirds (64%) of Queensland food relief charities believe they will not have enough food to feed hungry families this Christmas.

Foodbank Queensland CEO, Sara Harrup, said 22% of Queenslanders experiencing hunger are children.

“With so many livelihoods lost to COVID-19, many families throughout Queensland are facing the scary reality of not having enough food to feed their children this Christmas,” Ms Harrup said.

“Christmas is already the busiest time of year for hunger relief, however, Foodbank Queensland is bracing for even higher demand, as food relief charities anticipate a 15% increase in the number of Queenslanders seeking help this Christmas.”

“Foodbank Queensland is working tirelessly to source and provide nutritious food in the lead up to Christmas to support Queenslanders in crisis,” she said.

Today, Leichhardt State School provided Foodbank Queensland food relief hampers to their students to help families in Ipswich experiencing hunger.

Leichhardt State School Principal, Maja Bogicevic, said the school firmly believed in the idea of collective efficacy – the fact that it takes a community to raise a child.

“By engaging with Foodbank Queensland, Leichhardt State School is ensuring our families are able to connect with local community organisations and services,” she said.

With COVID-19 resulting in a year of job losses and income reductions, hungry Queenslanders first started asking about food relief for Christmas as early as April.

Ms Harrup said with the generous support of the community, Foodbank Queensland’s Christmas Appeal will provide essential groceries for Queenslanders struggling to put food on the table at Christmas.

“Every $1 donated to Foodbank Queensland provides two meals to Queenslanders going hungry,” Ms Harrup said.

ENDS

For media enquiries, contact Zoe Templeton,
Marketing and Communications Specialist:

M: 0435 133 601
E: zoe@foodbankqld.org.au

A Thank You from Kahli

For many Victorian families, 2020 has been almost unbearable. But with your generous donation, we will be able to provide the gift of food and happiness to families like Kahli’s this Christmas.

Below is a video message from Kahli, who would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for your kindness and support.

HELP FIGHT HUNGER THIS CHRISTMAS

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.

HELP HUNGRY QUEENSLANDERS LIKE RACHEL THIS CHRISTMAS. PLEASE DONATE TODAY.

Kahli’s Story

Kahli is a single mum to twin boys Sebastian and Mason, who lost her part-time job earlier this year due to the impact of COVID-19.

For her – and so many other Victorians that have lost their jobs this year – 2020 has been almost unbearable. This Christmas is going to add even more pressure and anxiety for Kahli who, without a little bit of help, may have to tell the young boys that “Santa isn’t able to come out this year.”

Sadly, Kahli’s story is not unique. COVID-19 has placed strain and financial distress on many Victorians who will be struggling to feed their families this Christmas.

But with your support, we’re able to give the gift of a Happier Christmas to those families doing it tough.

Kahli’s Story

Kahli is a single mum to twin boys Sebastian and Mason, who lost her part-time job earlier this year due to the impact of COVID-19.

For her – and so many other Victorians that have lost their jobs this year – 2020 has been almost unbearable. This Christmas is going to add even more pressure and anxiety for Kahli who, without a little bit of help, may have to tell the young boys that “Santa isn’t able to come out this year.”

Sadly, Kahli’s story is not unique. COVID-19 has placed strain and financial distress on many Victorians who will be struggling to feed their families this Christmas.

But with your support, we can give a happier Christmas to the many Victorian kids and their families who are doing it tough.

GIVE A HAPPIER CHRISTMAS

Breaking the cycle of hunger: The Hunger Ride 2020

The Hunger Ride returned to Victoria’s High Country on Saturday 28 November with Foodbank Victoria Ambassador, Hamish Blake, leading the pack.

With demand for food relief increasing, the 172km corporate cycle challenge raises critical funds to feed vulnerable Victorian children and their families.

Riders from corporate teams including Peters Ice Cream, Port of Melbourne, Westgate Tunnel Project, Asahi Beverages, NEC, GT &JA Jones Engineering joined Foodbank Victoria and event sponsor Montague CROC EGGS™ Australian Plums to take on the challenge – collectively raising more than $120,000 for those in need.

Also donning the lycra was Hunger Ride ambassador and 2003 Tour de France green jersey winner, Baden Cooke; AFL sporting legend, Max Gawn; and renowned cyclist commentator, Matthew Keenan.

“Signing up to a 172km bike ride seems a strange thing to do when you haven’t been allowed to ride more than 5kms from home for the last few months, but the Hunger Ride isn’t any old bike ride. It’s one of the main fundraising events for Foodbank Victoria who have been incredible helping people in this especially tough year,” said Hamish Blake, Foodbank Victoria ambassador.

Departing Beechworth, the route includes a difficult climb over Mt Buffalo and Mt Stanley, traversing the beautiful yet challenging terrain of North East Victoria.

“After a devasting year, we know now more than ever Victorians are in need. Many hardworking families are finding themselves in a position they never anticipated, unable to put food on the table. Although we’re currently working to provide 1.2 million meals monthly to Victorians in need, demand continues to outstrip supply,” said Dave McNamara, Foodbank Victoria CEO.

“It’s a tough and challenging ride, but every kilometre will help us raise much needed funds. We’re able to turn every dollar donated into two meals for struggling Victorians and their families,” Mr McNamara continued.

While the event was a huge success, our work is far from done. That’s why we’re gearing up for the Recovery Ride in April 2021 – a brand new, family-friendly cycling event through East Gippsland’s historic rail trails. You can read more about the event here!