Facelift for Foodbank fleet.

For a project such as this our generous donors played a vital role in terms of sponsorship. This included the likes of Nutrano, Perfection Fresh, Brisbane Markets, Parmalat, Tip Top, Sunny Queen, Aldi, One Harvest, and Costa Group.

Foodbank Queensland CEO Michael Rose had this to say about the update.

“Foodbank prides itself on its ability to manage large food volumes with very modest resources. In light of this, Foodbank recently chose to refurbish some of its older trucks rather than replace them. This allows us to extend the life of our trucks at very little cost and also provided the added opportunity to freshen our livery with our current logo and to showcase the support of our generous donors. Please give us a honk if you see them on the road”.

Without the support of our donors we would not be in a position to help the 188,705 Queenslanders seeking food relief every month. To be able to fulfill our mission of providing the most food to the most Queenslanders in need in the most efficient and effective ways is what it’s all about so thank you to all involved.

If you would like to support the ongoing efforts of Foodbank Queensland, in funding a specific Foodbank program or project, feel free to contact our friendly staff as below.

Citipointe Foodcare: supporting a community in need.

Just over half of parents experiencing food insecurity (54%) have sought food assistance from a charity, with two in five (40%) seeking food assistance in the last 12 months.

Citipointe Community Care first established their food relief program back in 2011 servicing approximately over 2,000 people annually.

Based in Inala their community is diverse and sees them helping refugees, asylum seekers, low-income families, single parent homes, drug and alcohol affected community members, the disabled, those affected by domestic violence, the homeless and indigenous Australians. Those seeking assistance have come from many African nations, Asia, India, Europe and the Middle East to New Zealand.

The Foodcare Team consists of over 60 dedicated volunteers weekly to serve the local community in a number of ways including:

  • School Breakfast Clubs to 3,000 students
  • Distribution of approx. of 21 tonnes of fresh produce to over 5,000 people per week
  • Low-cost food store open to all including the already 3,000+ members
  • Free breakfast and lunch daily to those in need through the Kitchen Connect Team

Citipointe Church West works regularly and closely with many other agencies in the area to assist the local community and government to help build resilience, minimise isolation, bring connection within the community and change the socio-economic class of Inala.

Groups such as Inala Youth Service, Inala Housing, Inala Headspace and the Brisbane City Council. As well as Indigenous Community Health and their ‘Closing the Gap’ program. QLD Mental Health assisting their Chaplaincy and food for families in need. Scripture Union through initiation and inauguration of School Breakfast Programs in the Western Suburbs.

“Without Foodbank we wouldn’t have been able to operate whatsoever and see the socio-economic area rise. One question I ask myself is – would Inala notice if we weren’t here? The answer is absolutely yes! And just the same for Foodbank!” “It’s so wonderful knowing how much Foodbank actually cares for people and are changing the course of the stories written of humanity.” says Bree.

Foodbank Queensland would like to recognise the important role all our frontline charity partners play in bettering the lives of so many. To see successful collaboration between acharities such as this, means a better utilization of services and a great commitment to making a difference to many.

Mirvac Tastes of… campaign wrap-up.

Throughout the month of April, a host of mouth-watering foodie experiences and giant collection boxes popped up in Mirvac Retail shopping centres across the country to raise awareness for Foodbank. Instagram uploads of meals purchased in-centre with the hashtag #tasteofgiving also saw Mirvac Retail donate one meal per hashtag to Foodbank.

To help the public find out more, there was also an in-centre Foodbank Faces of Hunger exhibition of personal portraits, showcasing the compelling stories of Australians who are currently facing food insecurity.

“It’s essential we have the opportunity to incorporate relevance into our campaigns and implement community focused initiatives. Foodbank are undergoing exceptional projects across Australia and are heavily reliant on volunteers and donations to help supply meals to those who need them most,” said Mirvac Retail’s National Marketing Manager, Paul Pozzobon.

In Queensland, the Mirvac Centre’s collectively raised 613 kilograms of product, and $1,537 for Foodbank.  Given the generosity of our many food donors, this allows Foodbank to source food worth more than the equivalent of $25,000 in retail value.

Imagine how many Queensland families that can help! For more information, or if you would like to support the ongoing efforts of Foodbank Queensland please contact our friendly staff.

Sweet Potatoes Australia: Committed to supporting Foodbank Queensland.

For Sweet Potato growers Greensill Farming Group and Halt for Holt’s, it’s all about working together!

Growing independently for over 10 years in the Bundaberg region, in 2016 the farms joined forces to create Sweet Potatoes Australia. While ensuring they deliver clients Aussie Gold Sweet Potatoes 52 weeks of the year, Sweet Potatoes Australia is also focused on working together to give back to the local communities they work in and beyond.

“The Foodbank story is such a great example of that true Aussie spirit and digging deep to help others. It’s tragic to think with the abundance of amazing fresh produce we have on offer in Australia, that every week many are going without”, said Damien Botha, General Manager – Greensill Farming Group.

Sweet Potatoes Australia has committed to supplying a minimum of 2 tonnes each week to Foodbank Queensland. Recently Sweet Potatoes Australia’s donations were able to assist Foodbank in supplying Reach Out Community and Family Care in Everton Park.

“Our promise is to contribute and support Foodbank each and every week of the year. For our team of over 200 local employees, knowing they are making life a little easier for families in need across Queensland is very important. Foodbank do an amazing job of not only distributing the donations of many great businesses, but also keeping us up to date with where donations are going,” said Damien.

According to Foodbank CEO Michael Rose “To receive this beautiful fresh produce directly from the farm with sweet potato being a highly nutritious food, with many wonderful health benefits for Queensland’s struggling families we are eternally grateful.  We have heard countless stories of families relieved and grateful at the joy of receiving such wonderful food during their toughest challenges in life.  For many, it helps them get through a short-term crisis and back on their feet.  I applaud the generosity and community spirit shown by Sweet Potatoes Australia and our many other donors and encourage everyone to support them while they support us.”

If you can hear it. Help it this Winter.

Every day there are people in our community dealing with the anguish and despair of not knowing where the next meal will come from for themselves and their families.

Foodbank’s research reveals the sacrifices some parents are making to provide food for their kids. Many go without meals. Some go without food for a whole day, and still too many children continue to be food insecure in our communities.

A $25 donation can provide 150 meals to families suffering from food insecurity.

“I was embarrassed of my situation and too ashamed to ask for help, but I needed to do something for my family as I didn’t want to see my children go without.” Kim.

Apart from seeking money to support their family, parents may also protect their children from food insecurity by finding other ways to ensure their children have access to food.

Almost half of parents have cut down on the size of the family’s meals to make the food last longer. Additionally, parents may take their children to a family member’s house for a meal, seek food assistance from a charity or have their children go to friend’s house for a meal.

This is why we need your help.

Together with Foodbank, you can make a difference this Winter by giving a gift to feed hungry families like Kim’s.

  • A donation of $50 provides 300 meals.
  • A donation of $75 provides 450 meals.
  • A donation of $100 provides 600 meals.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart, as without your support I don’t know where we would be.” Kim, to all donors. Your support is vital in Foodbank’s efforts to improve the lives of families doing it tough this Winter. On behalf of those who benefit from your generosity thanks.

“I was embarrassed of my situation and too ashamed to ask for help, but I needed to do something for my family as I didn’t want to see my children go without.” Kim. Your support is vital in Foodbank’s efforts to improve the lives of families doing it tough this Winter.

On behalf of those who benefit from your generosity thank you.

Thousands of kids to enjoy breakfast thanks to $1m funding.

Following the government pledge of $1m to help expand our School Breakfast Program, Foodbank has been working hard to register the 62 schools targeted under the program.

This enabled us to take a proactive approach, contacting schools to let them know about our program and start providing breakfast as quickly as possible where needed.

We are delighted that we have been able to exceed that target and for the start of Term 3 we will have 70 new schools, 28 of these in regional Queensland.

Foodbank has predominantly serviced schools in South East Queensland. Working with local agencies we have stretched as far afield as Maryborough, Kingaroy and Toowoomba. This funding has allowed us to expand our reach north to Bundaberg, Gladstone, Burdekin and Townsville, as well as reaching a greater number of children in the south east.

Foodbank estimates that up to 24,000 children are fed via the program, equating to over 66,000 meals per week in 261 schools across the state. Our partners, Adventist Development and Relief Agency in Townsville, Global Care Community Food Outreach in Bundaberg, the YMCA in Brisbane and may other smaller agencies have been instrumental in making this expansion possible.

Nadia Boyd volunteer for ADRA Townsville had the following to say about the outcome of this collaborative endeavour. “As a parent myself it’s hard to believe there are kids out there going to school hungry.”

“These breakfasts are essential to the health and well-being of students and see that they not only enjoy their education but also provide them with the energy to thrive and succeed in the classroom.” ‘Without the support of Foodbank and local donors such as Tip Top we could not provide this vital service,” says Nadia.

Foodbank is actively seeking local business supporters for local schools. If you would like to sponsor a school in your area, please contact us.

Queensland Bulls trade cricket gloves for kitchen gloves.

This June we had the pleasure of coordinating with Queensland Cricket who generously offered the expertise of the Queensland Bulls attending various food relief activities in and around Brisbane, to connect with the community.

The team volunteered their time attending community meals, school breakfasts and helping out at the Foodbank warehouse and at several Foodbank charity partners. Activities included:

  • School Breakfasts at Cannon Hill SS, Berrinba East SS, and Kingston State College
  • Hamper setup and distribution at Annerley Church of Christ
  • Wesley Mission Community Meal
  • Foodbank warehouse volunteering
  • Community Friends street meal & hamper giveaway
  • Valley Hearts cooking meals for Ronald McDonald House

Each day was a new activity and experience for the boys who enjoyed the opportunity to meet recipients and see firsthand the impact their time and effort had in the community.

Queensland Bulls coach Wade Seccombe said the experience had ‘opened the eyes of the players’. “We knew that they would respond positively to the challenge we invited them to undertake, but we also hoped they would take something out of the whole experience for themselves,’’ he said.

“Getting such a professional and well-run organisation as Foodbank to set us on the right track meant the players actually exceeded our expectations, and I know the individuals enjoyed having their perspectives broadened and, more importantly, enjoyed helping out other people in their community.”

Foodbank greatly appreciates the efforts of its frontline charities who are on the ground helping men and women, children and the elderly. They are single and in families, students, employed, unemployed, and retired.

The suffering is largely hidden, but the reality is we’re all likely to know someone going without.Without the support of our dedicated volunteer network we would not be able to help vulnerable Queenslanders experiencing food insecurity.

Pop Up Foodbank: Picabeen Community Centre.

This Pop Up event will be the first of its kind for Foodbank Queensland who has partnered with Picabeen Community Association to distribute food to those in need this winter.

Foodbank will Pop Up at Picabeen for a free giveaway, open to all in need in the community to access healthy and nutritious food. We will be bringing along bins of fresh fruit & veg plus pre-packed hampers for distribution.

Our July Pop Up will be held at Picabeen Community and Neighbourhood centre located at 22 Hoben Street, Mitchelton on Monday 30th from 4pm. As an added bonus we will also have the help from some of the Broncos Young Guns players on the day.

Picabeen’s Youth and Community Worker Jane McDonald had the following to say about the importance of providing a food relief service to community members.

“Our staff and volunteers deliver quality support services, activities and opportunities with respect for the diversity of residents in local areas. Picabeen provides food parcels and Christmas hampers to the community with the help and support from Foodbank and locals. With this, we are able to assist hundreds of families in their time of need.” says Jane.

Foodbank is thrilled to have the opportunity to help our frontline charities distribute to those in the community experiencing food insecurity which is why we are seeking corporate support to fund more such events in the future.

These pop-ups represent fantastic corporate volunteering opportunities to help families struggling in our communities. If you would like to find out how your business can support one, please contact our friendly staff.

A year in review & what’s to come…

Another milestone met thanks to the hard work and dedication of Foodbank Queensland staff, volunteers and board members.

Without the joint effort in ensuring the stability of the day-to-day operation we could not have exceeded our expectations of 12m kg’s for the 2017/18 period.

To celebrate the landmark, the team stopped for a modest lunch as a thank you to staff and volunteers alike for the hard work and dedication throughout the year.

We are very grateful to our fantastic staff, our 53 regular volunteers, our corporate volunteers (20 per week) and our valued members of the board who so generously offer services outside of their own commitments.

Foodbank Queensland lifted volumes by a staggering 12% on the previous year.  As fantastic as the result was in 2017/18, we can’t stop there.  We still have so much more to do.

We know from our research that 35% more food is needed to feed Queenslanders in need.  That is why we have set a target to achieve 16m kg’s by 2023.

The Foodbank Queensland board has signed off a 3-year strategic plan. The plan has four Strategic Pillars:

  • To proactively secure more food
  • To improve regional food relief in Queensland
  • To revitalise operational resources and capability
  • To sustainably fund the investment in food relief

Foodbank Queensland is already hard at work implementing the approved strategy.  Discussions have begun on our need for a larger warehouse in Brisbane and we have also discussed several options to improve food relief in key regional centres and our overall fundraising efforts.

If you would like to get involved to help us achieve the above goals, please contact our friendly staff.

Queensland Cricket and Foodbank Queensland partnership.

Queensland Cricket has today announced an important and ground-breaking partnership between the Queensland Bulls and two of the State’s leading community benefactors.

The Bulls Masters and Foodbank Queensland will be the new major partners of the Bulls, with each to be recognized on training and playing apparel during the 2018-19 season.

The new arrangement was signed following the conclusion of the three-year major sponsorship of myFootDR in June.

The Foodbank logo will appear on the front of the Bulls playing shirt for the JLT One Day Cup that gets underway on 16 September when Queensland takes on Victoria at Riverway Stadium in Townsville.

The partnership was announced by Queensland Cricket Chief Executive Officer Max Walters at today’s season launch at Allan Border Field.

Walters said the strengthening of the relationships with both organisations reflected the deep ties that Queensland Cricket and the Bulls have with the community.

“Queensland Cricket has countless links to the wider community in Queensland, through the network of dedicated volunteers, participants and their families,’’ he said.

“There is much to admire about the players who represent their State and so to partner with Foodbank and the Bulls Masters means our current, and future Queensland players can make a tangible difference to lives of others in our community.”

“It is important for Queensland Cricket to replenish our relationship with our past Queensland representatives, and join forces to ensure mutual benefit for cricket and our fellow Queenslanders,” he said.

Walters said the Foodbank relationship would provide heightened awareness for their operation as well as a direct benefit from the performances of the Bulls and Konica Minolta Queensland Fire players during the JLT One Day Cup and Women’s National Cricket League.

“We’ve already seen the integration of Foodbank and their agencies in the Bulls and Queensland Under-19 team preparations, with players and coaches volunteering their time to assist their operations during the past two months,’’ he said.

“On the field, Queensland Cricket will donate $100 for every six hit by a Bull or a Fire player during the JLT One Day Cup and WNCL in 2018-19 while staff will have the opportunity to contribute to an annual Food Drive,’’ he said.

Walters congratulated both organisations for their innovative approach to the partnership.

Bulls Masters Chairman Ian Healy expressed their delight in the formal announcement of the arrangement.

“The Bulls Masters are very proud of the initiatives we have brought to regional areas, including the Country Challenge T20 series and the U-16 Country Challenge that forms part of Queensland Cricket’s youth pathway,’’ Healy said.

“Today’s announcement closes the circle in a sense for us, as it brings us closer to the current Queensland players and allows us to combine our efforts to make a difference to Queensland communities,’’ he said.

Bulls Masters Managing Director Jimmy Maher welcomed the opportunity for the past players to join forces with Queensland Cricket to achieve their collective goals.

“No-one has more passion for the current players than those who have had the privilege and the honour of wearing the maroon cap and representing this great State,’’ he said.

“Those players effectively represent all of Queensland whenever they walk onto the field, and we wish the Bulls and the Fire every success this year.”

“There is a legacy of success with Queensland Cricket that we are delighted to be able to contribute to and we look forward to that continuing through the generations,’’ he said.