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.

HELP HUNGRY QUEENSLANDERS LIKE CAMILLE, PLEASE DONATE TODAY.

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.

Foodbank SA acquire Mount Gambier property to support long-term food security for the Limestone Coast region

On Friday 6th November Foodbank SA officially celebrated the acquisition of the Foodbank Mount Gambier site and completion of property development to ensure the long-term security in the region.

Foodbank SA CEO, Greg Pattison said Foodbank SA have been supporting the Limestone Coast community for more than 15 years and is currently supplying more than 130 local charities and schools in the region with food relief. In the last 12 months alone the Foodbank Mount Gambier warehouse has distributed more than 380,000 meals to those that are in need living on the Limestone Coast.

“We are excited to be celebrating the official property acquisition of Foodbank’s Mount Gambier site and cool room/freezer developments at 23 Cave Road Mount Gambier and the impact this will have on the long term food security in the region” Mr Pattison said.

“It has been an amazing achievement for Foodbank SA to be able to take this next step in supporting the Limestone Coast. We take this time to thank Tony Pasin, the Australian Government, the Government of South Australia (Green Industries SA), Local Councils, Corporate and local businesses, Foodbank supporters, staff and volunteers for contributing to this exciting new stage in Foodbank’s strategic direction. Importantly, helping us to meet our vision of ‘ending hunger in South Australia”, Mr Pattinson said.

Foodbank SA Founder, Leigh Royans established ties with the Limestone Coast community over 17.5 years ago with the support and advocacy of the late Barry Maney OAM. The vision was simple, to end food insecurity for those living in the region.

Foodbank Limestone Coast is set to receive an additional $100,000 in funding courtesy of the Federal Government’s Community Development Grants Programme. This sum adds to the $100,000 commitment made by the Federal Government in the lead up to the 2019 Federal election.

“I am so pleased that the Federal Government investment of $200,000 into this project has meant that the Foodbank Limestone Coast Warehouse and Food Hub has been developed into a facility that meets the needs of the Limestone Coast community,” said Federal Member for Barker, Tony Pasin MP.

Mr Pasin said the Australian Government’s investment in this community infrastructure project would provide long-term benefits to the Mount Gambier and wider Limestone Coast.

“What this means for the Limestone Coast community is a larger capacity for the Foodbank warehouse and hub to store up to 85-90,000 kilograms of food at any time for local charities in the Limestone Coast to assist those in need,” Mr Pasin said.

“Foodbank needed to acquire the property to be able to further upgrade the infrastructure to support food security activities. This funding has helped to make this a reality so the invaluable service can support more people in need. With the acquisition of the warehouse, development of the cool room and freezer, this investment will support the increased food security to the Limestone Coast region’s vulnerable citizens,” he said.

“Whether it is catastrophic bushfires or the COVID-19 pandemic, Foodbank is always there for people in need and this project will allow for them to expand and help even more Australians.”

“I am also thrilled that we can continue to honour the legacy of the late Barry Maney OAM and his wife Shirley who were instrumental in the establishment of this regional Foodbank by advocating and supporting the cause.” Mr Pasin said.

This property acquisition was made possible courtesy of $200,000 in funding from the Australian Government under the Australian Governments Community Development Grants Programme. Together with $322,000 in community donations and $29,000 provided by Foodbank South Australia.

Foodbank Limestone Coast Property acquisition and development-valued supporters have included:

Australian Government
Government of South Australia, Green Industries SA
City of Mount Gambier
District Council of Grant
Barry Maney Group
NF McDonnell & Sons
OG Roberts & Co
Versace Home Builders
WIN Network
CMV Foundation
Ken & Carol Stafford
Green Triangle Electronics
David, Anna and Stefan Millard
Centacare
Wendy Hollick
Uniting Communities
Gambier Vets
Rotary Club Mount Gambier Lakes.

For further information contact:

Media Contact: Sarah Davies, Foodbank SA
Sarahd@foodbanksa.org.au

Foodbank SA acquire Mount Gambier property to support long-term food security for the Limestone Coast region

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.

If you’d like to help, you can make an online donation or check out our Happy Christmas Gift Vouchers!

GIVE A HAPPIER CHRISTMAS

Bendigo Family & Financial Services

The team at Bendigo Family and Financial Services understand just how hard it is to knock on the door and ask for food relief. They’ve shared a little of their insights with us today and highlighted how Foodbank Victoria helps.

Meet our Charity Partners

Kingdom Generation Ministries

Located in Bendigo, Kingdom Ministries are a small-scale charity who have been supporting the local community for sixteen years. We recently met with Graeme and wife Lois, to hear about their work and how our food and groceries are making a vital impact to families and individuals in the Bendigo community.

Meet our Charity Partners

COVID-19 brings desperate hardship to Angelina’s family

Before the pandemic hit, life was already tough for loving parents Angelina and Jakob. Jakob works long hours at a dairy factory to provide for their family – but despite his long, exhausting shifts, his income was never quite enough.

“My husband works very hard to provide for us all, but due to COVID-19, his hours have been reduced. It’s a very tough time for us,” Angelina said.

Now, with Jakob’s hours slashed, there simply isn’t enough money for food. All too often Angelina and Jakob go without, skipping meals so their children can eat.

It’s a heartbreaking situation – and one far too many families are facing right now, with so many livelihoods lost to COVID-19. Latest Foodbank figures show 28% of Queenslanders in crisis are going a whole day a week without eating.

These times are especially hard for people like Angelina and Jakob, who have no family network to turn to.

“We don’t have any family here in Australia. We live in a three-bedroom house and often my husband sleeps in the dining room as we don’t have enough space for all our children. Sometimes I don’t have much hope for a better life when a bill comes and we don’t have money to pay on time. I try my best but it’s really hard to have hope.”

“I always pay bills before buying food, as I need to keep a roof over my children’s heads. It’s better to be hungry than not pay our rent.” Angelina said.

For families like Angelina’s, gifts of nutritious food and groceries are a lifeline in times of desperate hardship. That’s why your support is so important.

Your generosity has made sure that people like Angelina and her family were able to receive food and support during a time of crisis. Thank you for making a difference.

HELP HUNGRY QUEENSLANDERS LIKE ANGELINA, PLEASE DONATE TODAY.

Partnership provides 85 million meals to Australians in need

20th October 2020

Australian family-owned agribusinesses, Manildra Group and MSM Milling, have marked a unique partnership with food producers Simplot and Rinoldi, and leading Food relief organization, Foodbank Australia, resulting in 85 million meals donated to Aussies in need.

The Australian businesses have donated flour since 2004 as well as oil and sugar since 2009 to manufacturers Rinoldi and Simplot, as part of Foodbank’s vital collaborative food supply programs.

Manildra Group and MSM Milling source wheat and canola from local farmers, handle the milling and consolidation locally and help people across Australia, including in the Central West of NSW, with finished products distributed via the Foodbank network of front-line charities.

Manildra Group’s flour is donated to Rinoldi which produces pasta specifically for Foodbank to distribute across Australia. MSM Milling’s auzure canola oil and Sunshine Sugar are donated to Simplot to produce Leggo’s Napoletana Pasta Sauce.

The Manager of Manildra Flour Mill, John Brunner, says each year Manildra’s flour donation delivers five million serves of pasta to Australians experiencing all types of hardships.

“Now, more than ever the Foodbank Pasta Program is invaluable to those Australians who need it most. Australians who were struggling to get enough food before COVID-19 are now going hungry more often, with 43 per cent going a day a week without eating. As an Australian-owned family business we’re proud to step up and donate 350 tonnes of locally milled flour and 12 tonnes of sugar to this vital program to help vulnerable Australians in need. Our partnership with Foodbank is now in its 16th year, and it’s heartwarming to be part of a program that provides millions of serves of pasta for food relief activities, as well as natural disasters,” said Mr Brunner.

MSM Milling’s expeller pressed, Non-GM canola oil is a vital ingredient in the 250-thousand jars of Leggo’s Napoletana pasta sauce made for the partnership each year, delivering almost a million serves of sauce to Australians. Director Bob Mac Smith says the company is honoured to play an essential part in a program that alleviates food insecurity in local communities.

“Every year for the last 12 years MSM Milling has proudly donated thousands of litres of canola oil to this valuable program to ensure such a versatile pantry staple is made available to those who most need it. We’re a family business and the team is proud and humbled to donate oil to the program and see the difference it makes to everyday Australians, including those in our own backyard,” he said.

“This year has really highlighted the vital importance of Australian businesses supporting local farmers, manufacturers, organisations and other Australian businesses. We’re standing in the canola today which will be expeller pressed in a few weeks at our presses a stone’s throw from here. It truly is a unique partnership that highlights what can be achieved when suppliers and food manufacturers come together to collectively benefit Australian communities, from farmers, local businesses and our most vulnerable. It’s extremely humbling to be involved in this,” said Mr Mac Smith.

Foodbank National Program Manager – Agriculture, Jacqui Payne added, “We are extremely grateful for Manildra Group and MSM Milling’s dedication to our cause and ongoing involvement in our vital programs. Our Collaborative Supply Programs are a world-leading and globally unique model for food relief, and we’re delighted to have proud Australian businesses like Manildra Group and MSM Milling playing such major roles. They understand the importance of Foodbank being able to make these pantry essentials available to families from all regions and all walks of life who are doing it tough right now. Put simply, if we did not receive this support, families and individuals across Australia would be going without.”

Community Friends provides food relief to more people than ever before

Community Friends is a local Brisbane charity providing free, life-changing food relief and support to the homeless, disadvantaged and people in need.

Founded in 2011, Community Friends provides essential food and groceries every Wednesday to more than 150 people and their families living in West End and greater Brisbane.

Sadly, COVID-19 is severely impacting Queensland’s hunger crisis, with Community Friends seeing many people, including casual workers and international students, being forced to reach out for help for the very first time.

To tackle the increasing demand in these two new groups, the charity has started an additional food run on Thursdays for TAFE Queensland to provide them with as much food as possible for their local and international students facing hunger.

Mark McDonnell, Community Friends Founder and Director, said the charity is experiencing very challenging times with more people seeking food relief than ever before.

“COVID-19 has resulted in a lot more work, which is why we now start setting up and preparing the food much earlier than we used to. It also costs us more money and requires more volunteers, as we now prepack all food into reusable bags, so people seeking food relief don’t touch the food directly.”

“Prior to the pandemic, people could pick which food they wanted. Now, they get two prepacked bags of groceries only. They don’t get the opportunity to go through the bags or say what they want or don’t want. If there is food left over, they can go through a second time,” he said.

The charity also provides milk, bread, hot meals in takeaway containers, noodles, and small goods such as drinks and muesli bars in addition to the two prepacked bags, which people can choose to take.

Community Friends aims to give everyone enough food to feed themselves and their families for three to four days. However, one of Community Friends’ volunteers said, since COVID-19, they have been struggling to provide enough food for everyone who needs it.

“The saddest part was on one of the days we still had about 30 people cueing up and we didn’t have enough bags for them,” she said.

With more and more people seeking food relief, the charity has been forced to move to a bigger location, Punyapa Park in West End, as there wasn’t enough space for them to enforce social distancing.

Foodbank Queensland provides essential food directly to charities, including Community Friends, who support people seeking food relief. We currently work with over 250 charities across the state. If you are a Queensland charity, Foodbank Queensland membership is a great way to support your food relief projects, offering your organisation a reliable source of food and groceries all year round. 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.

EVERY $1 YOU DONATE PROVIDES 2 MEALS TO A QUEENSLANDER IN NEED

Reduce your waste footprint with Repurpose It

In support of our commitment to reducing waste, we’re teaming up with Repurpose It, an organisation who champions sustainability and believes “all waste can be converted into valuable resources”.

Providing a true closed loop solution, Repurpose It will use new and best-practice technology converting waste to resource, reducing the reliance on extractive materials.

“We couldn’t be more excited by our partnership with Foodbank Victoria, an organisation who shares our values in relation to creating a better planet and minimising food waste,” says George Hatzimanolis, CEO & Co-Founder.

“Our goal is to provide 1 million meals to struggling Victorians through the term of this partnership”, says George. Repurpose It have already committed support of Foodbank Victoria by providing 50,000 meals to vulnerable Victorians.

Whilst we do our best at Foodbank to distribute all our food out to our charity partners there is some food that even we can’t use.

You too may have excess waste that can be re-diverted from landfill. If this is the case, and you are interested in finding better ways to minimise waste and learning more about this new technology please contact our partnerships team via CorporatePartnerships@foodbankvictoria.org.au or 03 9362 8383. We would love to get you involved with this great initiative.

What’s even better is that for every 1,000 kilograms of waste that is processed through the plant from our food donor network, Repurpose It have committed to donating $5 to Foodbank Victoria – that’s 10 meals to people in need. So not only will you be redirecting waste that will be converted into valuable resources, but you will also be helping provide more meals on the table of those that need it most.

Together we can close the loop and move one step closer to a future that is waste free and hunger free.

Want to learn how you can minimise your waste?