Community Partner Story Impact Food Outlet

The Impact Food Outlet, led by Darryl, Mari-shell and their dedicated team at Impact Community Services, stands out from the busy Pacific Highway. The Food Outlet was started in partnership with Foodbank Queensland six years ago. Campus Pastor Mari-shell shares the story of filling her small car’s backseat with a tuckerbox esky filled with food from the Foodbank Distribution Centre in Morningside. Mari-shell would then travel back to Impact Community Services multiple times a week to restock the pantry, supporting those facing hunger with nutritious food.

From these humble beginnings, the Impact Food Outlet has grown into a crucial resource providing food to over 18,500 people every year. Food Outlet Manager Darryl shares that the Outlet offers heavily discounted groceries for those in need, restoring dignity while offering companionship and a sense of belonging for thousands in the greater Logan region. Every day, Impact volunteers skillfully manage challenges to ensure that no one in their community goes hungry or without support.

“Foodbank has empowered us to do this. It’s all happened from a seed to form all of this, which is amazing!” Impact’s Lead Pastor Tony shares.

What began as a service operating just two days a week has grown to serve the community five days a week, with customers travelling from the local area and as far as Gatton.

“We’re more than feeding people, we’re getting involved and helping people through support services, counselling, finances and financial management, payment of bills, domestic violence, unplanned pregnancies and arranged marriages.” – Tony.

Darryl shares that everyone who enters the Impact Food Outlet has a story, and the team ensures they are heard and support is offered, emphasising the profound impact of offering food with no judgment, only warmth. The community supported through the Impact Food Outlet know it isn’t just about feeding people through affordable groceries. Impact Food Outlet is about nourishing souls, bridging divides, and fostering a community where everyone feels valued and supported.

“There is no judgement, there is no stigma, and everyone is welcome.” – Darryl.

Impact Community Services is proud of the positive outcomes they have achieved through their years of selfless service. In partnership with Foodbank Queensland, they are having a significant impact in addressing food insecurity in the local community.

They assist elderly community members to find purpose in volunteering, ease the burden of single parents who visit, and provide food and groceries to those facing cancer or have mounting medical bills.

Pastor Mari-shell recently assisted a mother through the domestic violence crisis care at Impact Community Services, who was living week to week with three children to feed.

Mari-shell shares, “She said it’s safe, nonjudgmental and she is just so appreciative of what we can do.”

Tony continued, “We don’t want people to feel a sense of shame; we want them to feel normal and just be able to come and make use of everything that we have here.”

Tony continues, “All of that came as a result of this little shop starting.”

Working in partnership with Foodbank Queensland has made a difference for the local community.

Your generosity makes an incredible difference far beyond what you could imagine for the people of Logan, and beyond. Just incredible.” – Tony.

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.

Community Partner Story Lovewell Foundation

The Lovewell Café in Mount Gravatt is a bustling social enterprise, providing opportunities for women experiencing hardship. A sign at the entry to the café reads, Every sip of coffee here contributes to a woman’s ability to stand tall, rebuild and thrive within their community.

It’s a sanctuary of second chances for women throughout Brisbane.

Second chances come with expectations, and meeting these expectations ensure women at Lovewell succeed while participating in the Foundation’s support programs. Women who seek refuge and renewal at the Lovewell Foundation are overcoming addiction, abuse, among other challenges.

As a Foodbank Queensland Member, Lovewell Foundation provides crucial support including food for emergency and crisis packs, ensuring these women have the resources needed to rebuild their lives.

Annie, the passionate Director of Lovewell, speaks of the support given to women through Foodbank Queensland, including the importance of non-food items that restores dignity when at their lowest.

“Items like shampoo and toothpaste are expensive. Women in the Lovewell Foundation are still in crisis or have nothing,” says Annie.

While some women are shunned by their family and friends, they maintain connections with their pets who have a profound role in their recovery.

“It is so important they have their pets, many of our women have lost their children for a period of time. For those who have gone through trauma, dogs are so important to them,” Annie says.

Foodbank Queensland provides pet supplies including pet food and kitty litter, products that play a crucial role in supporting Lovewell women and their beloved animals.

Annie shares that food provided by Foodbank Queensland has enabled the creation of a special program focused on teaching women how to cook with just four basic pantry ingredients. This initiative was designed not only to equip women with essential cooking skills, but also to increase their independence and confidence. Additionally, the meals prepared by the women under the guidance of the Lovewell Café team were distributed to other women in need. This approach provides practical skills and nourishment, as well as furthering the supportive cycle of giving and receiving within the Lovewell community.

The success stories are inspiring; one woman who was given her last chance has since turned her life around and now contributes back to the Lovewell community.

“It’s about building a new tribe, because everyone needs a tribe. You don’t need to wear that label anymore, because you’re here,” says Annie.

Annie shares her own experiences, having personally dealt with domestic violence and single motherhood. Despite facing significant challenges, Annie’s story is about surviving and maintaining hope while raising her child on her own. “I lived for a reason”, she shares.

Sunflower Place, an initiative of Lovewell Foundation, provides a path forward for women facing crises across Brisbane. Offering financial workshops and employment training, these programs provide vulnerable women with essential skills to pursue meaningful careers. At the Lovewell Café, women receive training and employment opportunities in a supportive community where they have the confidence to rebuild and thrive. In the Better Futures Program, women participate in practical workshops to plan their future, guided by mentors with similar lived experiences.

Annie emphasises that the success of program participants hinges on hard work, punctuality and collaboration. As the women of Lovewell forge paths of empowerment and recovery, Lovewell stands as a testament to transforming adversity into opportunity, with every sip of coffee and every compassionate gesture.

“This is my dream because this is now full circle. These programs are now supporting other women and it is incredible that they have rebuilt their lives and have got employment that they feel they can now give back,” says Annie.

As a Member of Foodbank Queensland, Lovewell Foundation is supported through food and pantry items that significantly impact women in crisis. When asked on the impact of food relief through the generosity of Foodbank Queensland donors, Annie shares, “It makes a difference. Even though these women may not know who you are, you are significant in their lives and journey, and we thank you.”

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.

Community Partner Story Access Street Vans

It’s special to experience a moment of clarity as to your life direction and purpose. That’s exactly what Pastor Russell experienced in 1993 when visiting Bath, England. While there, Pastor Russell came across a woman who needed help. Speaking with her, Pastor Russell had an epiphany and recognised his
calling in life, helping others.

For the past 25 years, Pastor Russell and his wife Betty have been doing precisely that with Access Street Vans. Located in Mansfield, Access Street Vans stands as a beacon of hope and compassion. As a Member Charity of Foodbank Queensland, Access Street Vans dedicates its efforts to providing food relief and encouragement to those in need.

Picture this: everyday Queenslanders just like you, your family, or your friends, facing tough times. They’re cold, hungry, and scared, seeking refuge wherever they can find it. But thanks to Access Street Vans, help is on the way.

Access Street Vans serve as a lifeline for individuals and families facing food insecurity across Brisbane. Their goal is simple yet impactful: to help turn people’s lives around for the better.

Each week, the Access Street Vans team drives vans out to different parts of Brisbane and shares meals and prayers with those in need. Every Wednesday, their successful ‘Adopt-a-Pensioner’ program is run to support 20 to 30 individuals with food parcels. This program’s goal is to bring hope and dignity to Queensland’s older generation. All of this is provided free of cost.

The need for organisations like Access Street Vans is undeniable. From providing meals to those experiencing homelessness to supporting pensioners, their impact reaches far and wide.

“We give the food out to anybody and everybody. Whatever religion they are, we have no limitations, everyone’s equal.” – Pastor Russell

Access Street Vans’ 20-year-old partnership with Foodbank Queensland strengthens their ability to make a difference. Through this collaboration, they gain access to essential groceries, enabling them to help even more people in need throughout Brisbane.

But Access Street Vans is more than just a provider of food. They represent the spirit of community and care. Volunteers and supporters play a crucial role in their mission, coming together to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

“It’s a privilege for me and my wife to do what we’re doing.” – Pastor Russell

Pastor Russell’s efforts and selfless actions were recognised in 2009 when he was awarded Brisbane Citizen of the Year. However, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. In 2019 they faced a setback when an Access Street Van was stolen from their Mansfield hub. Never to be returned, Pastor Russell, his wife, and volunteers rallied, determined to recover.

The sight of an Access Street Van navigating the streets of Brisbane serves as a reminder of how simple acts of kindness can transform people’s lives. So, the next time you see an Access Street Van in your neighbourhood, take a moment to reflect on the importance of their operations.

They are more than just vehicles delivering food; they are symbols of hope, unity, and the unwavering commitment to ensuring that no one in Brisbane goes hungry. As a member of Foodbank Queensland, Access Street Vans stands as a beacon of light in the fight against hunger.

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.

Community Partner Story

We Care 2 Hervey Bay

In the heart of Hervey Bay, We Care 2 offers crucial assistance to address community needs amidst rising living expenses.

With picturesque coastal beaches and a gateway to K’gari, it is no wonder many call Hervey Bay home. But like many small regional cities and towns throughout Queensland, the silent epidemic of hunger is growing in many Hervey Bay households.

As a result, the need for community support continues to grow. We Care 2, a community group that supports the residents of Hervey Bay and the surrounding local areas is the helping hand many need to survive from week to week. They aim to ‘offer a rounded service to the community, not just with food but, with caring staff and volunteers who have a heart to help those in need and listen to those who are struggling.’

To achieve this aim, We Care 2, an initiative of New Life Chrisitan Church, has built a centre for community care services that provides service users with comprehensive support. As Office Manager, Tamara explained, “We extend a helping hand to our community and we have five different areas. We’ve got our low-cost food centre, which Foodbank are awesome at helping with us providing food for.” The Low Cost Food Centre is open to low-income earners with concession cards, senior card holders, pensioners, and self-funded retirees.

In addition to their Extra Choice Low Cost Food Centre, We Care 2 runs a Community Connect Food Van, which provides free breakfasts on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

The third program is counselling where service users can attend free appointments with a qualified counsellor, specialising in grief, trauma, and crisis.

The fourth program offered by We Care 2 is Emergency Relief Appointments, which includes food, pharmacy, and fuel vouchers as well as emergency travel. Those accessing Emergency Relief appointments have changed in recent years, as Tamara explained, “We are finding even with our emergency relief that a lot of people are coming through and some of them have double incomes.”

Lastly, the Centre’s latest initiative is the Sunshine Van, which is a van that has hot showers, a clothes-washing facility, and a phone charging port. The need for this new offering came from the housing crisis and increased homelessness growing in Hervey Bay. With many people moving to the area without any support or family, they rely on We Care 2 for crucial support to thrive in the Hervey Bay region. As a result, We Care 2 has had to increase its emergency relief services, specifically having many tents on hand ready to provide shelter for those in need. As Tamara explained,

“The population has just exploded, and accommodation is really hard to get because people are now living in their investment properties and people are migrating from down south to up here. There are not as many rental properties available. People are also being evicted because the house is sold or the owner’s living in the house now, and they’ve got nowhere else to go, there’s not enough accommodation available, and then because of that explosion, the rent has increased.” – Tamara

With the increase in rent for many, We Care 2 has seen that those seeking relief range from individuals to families. Families typically have both parents in work, as Tamara explained,

“They might not be on a large income, but they’re both working. But that’s still not enough to cover the high rent and all the other costs of living. They’re struggling from week to week to be able to afford stuff.”

These families face a relentless cycle of financial stress, where even the smallest unexpected expense can tip the balance into crisis. The burden of high rent and living costs leaves them with little room to save or plan for the future. Thankfully, We Care 2 is there to lend a helping hand. Created from the heart to help people get through the pressures that they are in, to inspire and equip them for better outcomes in their lives, We Care 2 has helped many Queenslanders through crisis.

“The main success story we hear is just people who come in and say, ‘Thank you. Without you guys, I don’t know where I’d be. I don’t know how I’d be able to feed my family. I don’t know where my next steps would be.” – Tamara

Beyond providing immediate relief, We Care 2 aims to foster a sense of community and support. It’s a place where people can find not just material assistance, but also hope and guidance for a better future.

“The low-cost food is really helpful to pensioners, One lady, her rent was going up $50 a week. She can’t afford that, and her pension is not increasing so she has nowhere else for this money to come from. They rely on our food services and other things to be able to just get them through every week.”

This kind of assistance is crucial for those on fixed incomes, who often face impossible choices between essential needs like food and housing. This would not be possible without the partnership with Foodbank Queensland. Through Foodbank Queensland, We Care 2 can stock their extra choices of low-cost food centre, ensuring a steady supply of essential items. This collaboration allows them to offer affordable food options to those in need.

“Together we can make a difference,” a favourite catchphrase of We Care 2, is especially appropriate given the relationship between Foodbank Queensland and We Care 2 working together to feed Queenslanders in need.

Together, with the help of your donations, both Foodbank Queensland and We Care 2 can continue to support Queenslanders. 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.

Mike’s Story

Mike* and his family know that without food you can only focus on survival.

Accidents can see your life change in a heartbeat, seeing your income disappear in an instant. Without a steady income, how could you afford food?

Having moved from New Zealand, Mike was amazed at the salary and work available in Australia. This high quickly fell to a low after being dropped from 40 hours to 25 hours of work per week. Life threw more curveballs after Mike had a serious accident. Mike was unable to work for four months, which saw him fall behind on his rental payments. As a result, Mike, his wife Jenny, and their three children, aged 7, 11, and 13, were evicted from their long-term rental property. Their lives were turned upside down in an instant.

“Looking back at the house, looking at what we were and what we are now. It was a big gap. It was disappointing that I had let my family and my partner down and myself down.” – Mike

With nowhere to go, and with three children lost and confused, living became solely focused on survival. Where would they sleep? What would they eat? They had lost hope. The children showed incredible resilience but not knowing where their next meal would come from was hard.

“When I don’t have enough food, it affects my schoolwork cause I’m always tired and I want to sleep.” – Mike’s Daughter

Mike faced impossible choices, like choosing between paying for school supplies or buying food for his family. But without food, Mike knew he and his family could not survive. Their struggle wasn’t just about hunger; it was about coping with uncertainty and trying to provide during tough times.

“We were finding it hard on a daily basis to put food on the table, to make sure the kids had enough food to survive…I lost a lot of weight with stress, I mean I couldn’t eat and I couldn’t sleep. You’ve got things such as excursions, books, and school fees, you’re weighing up like do I get this, or do I get food? And you’ve got to think about it, that without food, you’re not going to survive.” – Mike

Mike and his family found their hope at a Foodbank Member Charity, where they could access heavily discounted groceries and other essential items. This Foodbank Member Charity’s food hampers were made up of food collected from Foodbank Queensland. These food hampers became a vital lifeline for Mike and his family.

“We need the groceries at a minimum price, we needed that food to survive. So, I could focus on all the other bills that we needed to pay. Before we’d be living on baked beans and spaghetti and noodles. Then we had meat, we had veggies…and it would fill up the pantry for that week and the kids would be happy.” – Mike

Being able to save money at the checkout allowed Mike and his family to get back on their feet. They were once again empowered. The children were provided with healthy and nutritious meals, meaning once again they could focus on schoolwork. Mike explained, “Food makes the kids happy because they know they’ve got something in their stomachs. It’s having the ability to actually feed your children and seeing them eat and be stronger and nourish their little minds.” – Mike

Even Mike himself is now going to work every day with a full stomach, choosing not to skip breakfast, Mike said, “I’d leave home early, I wouldn’t have breakfast. But now I have breakfast before I go to work, and it makes it a lot easier.”

Mike and his family have moved from just surviving to truly thriving. Thanks to Foodbank Queensland’s Member Charity, they now have a home where they can make new happy memories over delicious meals. Today, Mike is pleased to say that, “Instead of, where are we going to get the next meal? Or what are we going to eat? Instead of baked beans, we have dessert and, you know, a decent-sized meal. The kids absolutely love it.”

Thanks to the incredible support of the Foodbank Member Charity, Mike and his family were able to get back on their feet. Mike cannot express his thanks to Foodbank and when asked what he would say to those thinking of donating, “Without your support, Foodbank won’t be able to do what they’re doing every day. And provide for charities that people need in their lives. The more support Foodbank gets, it’s going to make a massive difference in everybody’s lives.” – Mike

Thanks to Foodbank Queensland’s supporters, families like Mike’s have access to fresh and nutritious food. 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.

* Names and images have been changed for privacy.

Foodbank Queensland Funding to Help Queenslanders in Need

Foodbank Queensland, the state’s largest hunger relief charity, welcomes the Queensland Government’s recent budget announcement, which includes funding to increase essential food relief operations.

The funding from the Queensland Government, announced in the State Budget, will contribute to the establishment of a second facility and a new regional distribution point.

“We are thrilled that the Queensland Government has prioritised support for a second food distribution facility in Brisbane and a new distribution point in Townsville,” says Jess Watkinson, Chief Executive Officer of Foodbank Queensland.

“This investment in expanding our facilities will enable us to assist more Queenslanders in need. The rising cost-of-living has significantly increased the number of Members, schools and communities requiring food relief.”

Foodbank Queensland’s ability to provide more food to those in need is limited by the size of its current Food Distribution Centre. Built 28 years ago, the 1,800sqm facility initially distributed 1 million kilograms of food annually. Today, Foodbank Queensland distributes around 14 million kilograms of food each year, but due to the current facility size is simply unable to source and distribute more food.

“Our highly efficient team has managed to operate within our small facility for some time, but with the growing needs of Queenslanders, we can no longer support everyone who requires help. This funding will enable us to expand across Queensland, allowing us to increase our distribution to 18 million kilograms of food per year once finalised,” says Jess Watkinson.

This expansion will allow Foodbank Queensland to provide 32.4 million meals to Queenslanders in need each year. This includes School Breakfast Programs being provided to 400 schools, 16,000 Food for Kids hampers prepared for families in need, and 300 pallets of food and essentials delivered in response to Queensland disasters each year.

“Amid the current cost-of-living crisis, the demand for food relief in Queensland has reached unprecedented levels. We are thrilled that the State Budget has prioritised support for food relief services, including our sector colleagues OzHarvest and SecondBite, and we know that Queenslanders in need will greatly benefit from this additional support,” says Jess Watkinson.

The Miles Government’s State Budget has also allocated $15 million for the School and Community Food Relief Program. Foodbank Queensland looks forward to partnering with schools to enhance School Breakfast Programs, ensuring that Queensland children have access to a nutritious breakfast, giving them a strong start to the day.

For further information on Foodbank Queensland’s food relief services, please visit www.foodbank.org.au/qld

Community Partner Story Angels Community Group

One day, an 80-year-old farmer came into Sue’s food pantry in Bundaberg. He’d lost a lot of equipment and supplies in the Lowmead bushfire. With the high costs of the farm repairs, he now couldn’t afford to eat.

“This old farmer said: ‘I just need to give my wife something to eat’. And we said, ‘No worries.’ He sat behind our counter crying. He came back two or three more times for food and then came back a final time and donated because he’d got back on his feet. A man like him would have never needed help in the past.” – Sue

In the ninth year of Sue’s Angels Community Group – a Foodbank Queensland Member Charity – Sue has heard stories of heartbreak and hope like this from people from all walks of life, many who have never required help before. With the cost-of-living crisis escalating, these stories remind her that life can change in an instant – and this is why she does what she does.

“Some people’s crisis is just at one point in time, and so they may not fit in with eligibility and criteria and that. They just need some help now. That’s why our food is for everybody. It must be for everybody.” – Sue

It was Sue’s own personal crisis that inspired her to launch Angels Community Group in 2014. Her niece had died in a car crash, then soon after Sue lost her job.

“I sat around for a few months feeling sorry for myself, but then I realised if you have a sense of purpose, you have a reason to get out of bed in the morning. I wanted to do something to help people.” – Sue

Soon after, Sue and a friend launched a little secondhand store with affordable goods, but it became clear that the true need in their community was for food relief.

Foodbank Queensland and its generous supporters stepped up to help them launch a pantry, providing staples such as cereal, milk, canned fruit, pasta, meal bases, rice, and meat.

“In the beginning we had nothing. Without Foodbank supporters, we wouldn’t have been able to commence.” – Sue

Since then, Angels Community Group has grown rapidly and has become a thriving community hub. It offers emergency hampers and hot nutritious meals for those in need and runs a mini-mart that sells staples. Over 280 school lunches are prepared each week for students experiencing hardship in surrounding schools. There is also an online food store that provides disadvantaged people who are living in remote towns, the chance to buy affordable groceries, delivered to their door.

Although Angels Community Group also receives food donations from other sources, Foodbank remains at the heart of all they do.

“Foodbank Queensland is extremely important for us to be able to stretch our dollar further. Demand for our emergency hampers has doubled in the past few years. I love the variety that we get from Foodbank.” – Sue

Sue admits running a food pantry during the worst cost-of-living crisis in recent history is exhausting and stressful.

“But as tough as it is, this is needed, and this is what we have to do.” – Sue

Recently, a grandmother came into the food pantry as Sue and the team were closing for the day. The lady was frantic and desperately needed food. She explained to Sue she’d just become the full-time carer of her three grandchildren that afternoon. But she had no food in the fridge and would not get her pension until tomorrow. The lady told Sue, ‘I’ve just had to turn off my daughter’s life support today – and I need something to feed my grandchildren tonight’.

It never gets easier hearing these stories, but Sue wants to share them with you, to let you know the incredible difference your donations make.

“You’re putting a smile on a child’s face who is eating tonight because of you. You’re giving relief to a man who didn’t know how he was going to put food on the table for his family tonight. You are making a difference to real people.” – Sue

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.

Edward’s Story

Father. Grandfather. An everyday Queenslander struggling to make the pension go far enough.

At 76 years old, Edward has found himself like other pensioners, budgeting each week to make the pension go far enough. Despite these challenges, Edward has always drawn strength from being close to his family.

Father to two daughters and multiple grandchildren, Edward has always been a family man. When one of his daughters gave birth to a child with a disability, Edward moved closer to his family to help.

“I have followed her around, you know, to be as much help as I can be. She’s got four kids, one of them disabled. Not easy. So, we did that for a few years, and then she decided to move down to Brisbane.” – Edward

For the last two decades, Edward has lived near his daughter and grandchildren. Their bond is a special one and living nearby has meant that they have always been around to offer each other support. This was a crucial source of strength during the COVID pandemic when Edward was required to isolate.

This year, however, his daughter was lucky to find love again. This saw her move away from Brisbane, leaving Edward alone.

“She is so happy now that she’s found this man. And I’m so happy to see how happy she is. But, jeez, I miss her.” – Edward

With his daughter no longer nearby and the pension not stretching as far due to higher living costs, Edward is feeling the pinch of rising grocery prices.

“I’m on a pension, which is limited… And I don’t have a lot of other money. So, I’m basically living off what the pension gives me every two weeks. And half of that goes to my rent.” – Edward

To help reduce the stress that comes with searching for discounted food, Edward has found relief at one of Foodbank Queensland’s over 300 Member Charities. At the Foodbank Member Charity, Edward finds both community connection and food to help make the week a little easier.

“I’ve had problems with always chasing specials and buying fruit that’s three days old and stuff like that, you know. And I found this place.” – Edward

At the Foodbank Member Charity, a free breakfast and groceries are offered to those doing it tough in the local area. Here, Edward has met other individuals who are facing difficult times.

“I can get food here for free and there is the joy of meeting some very nice people here. And whatever is on offer will always suit me. Because I eat what I have, not what I want. They have a lot of green veggies and stuff like that.”

Edward always takes care not to waste food and returns any excess that he knows he won’t consume, hoping that someone else in need will benefit.

When asked how thankful Edward is to Foodbank Queensland Donors and how their donations help to run the Foodbank Member Charity, Edward said:

“I’m extremely thankful. Extremely so because at my age and stage, my mobility is not so good. I’ve got this health issue that’s going on at the same time. It’s not just the cost of the stuff, but I live far away from the grocery stores. It’s probably a kilometre and a half to Woolies or Coles and then I have to carry it up the hill to go back home.”

Thanks to your generosity, pensioners like Edward have access to fresh produce and food when and where they need it most.

*Edward is a real Queenslander in need. His name has been changed to protect his identity.

Community Partner Story FareShare

For the last five years, Foodbank Queensland and FareShare Brisbane have been working closely together to support Queenslanders in need.

Foodbank Queensland plays a crucial role by providing the majority of ingredients for FareShare’s Brisbane kitchen. Foodbank takes pride in supplying these essential resources that FareShare transforms into nutritious, ready-to-eat meals for those in need. Working hand in hand, to ensure that donated food reaches its fullest potential, this partnership serves as a lifeline for individuals and families experiencing hardship in Queensland.

The produce Foodbank Queensland provides to FareShare includes fresh produce rescued from Queensland farms. This produce is donated directly to Foodbank due to several reasons, such as not meeting supermarket specifications or oversupply. Instead of this perfectly edible food going to waste, Foodbank rescues the produce and freely provides it to FareShare to prepare into meals. Ben O’Donoghue, Foodbank Queensland Ambassador, joined James, Production Manager at FareShare Brisbane on a tour of the facility recently, Ben commented,

“It was amazing to be shown the impressive cooking facilities and kitchen at FareShare. The awesome work that Foodbank and FareShare complete together is essential, not only helping Queenslanders in need but also farmers and the environment.” – Ben

With Queensland’s largest commercial charity kitchen, FareShare has cooked over 6 million meals for hungry Queenslanders in the past five years alone. This remarkable achievement stands as a testament to FareShare’s dedication to combating hunger and nourishing communities across Queensland.

Their impact extends far beyond the kitchen, touching the lives of countless individuals and families who rely on their nutritious meals. This is needed more than ever with the cost-of-living crisis and other impacts, as James explained,

“We’ve had a huge influx of population moving into Queensland for the last five years. This puts pressure on the housing market, increase in cost & supply. Then throw a couple of floods on top of that. This has pushed people into reaching out for a helping hand for the first time. Houseless/Homeless is being noticed in a growing rate in our city & suburbs. Some of these people, just need a helping hand, others require long term support. And if it’s one our FareShare meals, that is the start of that process, then WOW. What better way?” – James

The rise in meal production has been essential, as the growing demand for support by FareShare and other food relief charities continues to rise.

“January saw a double in production of nutritious meals from 54,000 in 2023, to just over 109,000 meals in 2024.” – James

These meals are mostly packaged in a single-serve container, packed with protein and vegetables. These ready-to-eat meals include casseroles, stir-fry’s, soups, pasta dishes and stews. Each week, the menu changes depending on what produce, and groceries are donated. This requires the staff at FareShare to not only be experienced in the kitchen but also creative and flexible in their cooking with the added support of a 400 strong volunteer workforce.

“For many people, a FareShare meal will be the only meal of the day and our chefs do everything possible to make it count.”

After FareShare chefs cook up tasty meals, Foodbank Queensland distributes them to frontline charities. This partnership ensures that together, Foodbank and FareShare are helping as many Queenslanders as possible,

“We certainly can’t work without Foodbank. The support that Foodbank gives us as far as logistical support is huge. It’s invaluable. Produce received from Foodbank enables us to create a diverse & culturally appropriate nutritious meal for zero cost to charity agencies. 385,000 tonnes of surplus, rescued & donated produce last year has helped a vast number of families right across Queensland, from as far north as Mornington Is, Carins, Mt. Isa, Townsville, Dalby, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, St. George, Gold Coast. – James

FareShare is also continuing to expand its other programs including its First Nations Program, ‘Meals for the Mob’, as well as creating non-perishable meals, ideal for providing food relief in remote and regional Australia, and for communities impacted by natural disasters.

As this partnership continues, Foodbank Queensland hopes to further expand its reach and impact to communities across the state, including distributing FareShare meals to rural Queensland.

However, this is not possible without your support. By donating to Foodbank Queensland, you can directly contribute to providing nutritious meals to those facing hardship in Queensland. Donate here to make a difference.

Allianz Partners teams up with Foodbank Australia to improve international students’ well being

Allianz Partners has partnered with Foodbank Australia to help alleviate the burden of financial hardship and food insecurity among international students studying in Australia.

This year Allianz Partners and Foodbank will host seven market-style events on campuses across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. The partnership will help more than 3,300 students this year, providing over $120,000 of food. At each event, international students will be given the opportunity to receive up to $50 worth of food, which could include items such as fresh fruit, vegetables, staples such as pasta and rice, and frozen nutritious ready-made meals.

The partnership follows a report from Monash University (2023), highlighting the financial pressures faced by international students. The study reveals a concerning trend of financial strain, particularly in accessing nutritious food, leading to deteriorating mental and physical wellbeing across the nation.

Miranda Fennell, Executive Head of Health and Foodbank Ambassador, said this partnership is a proactive step towards improving the wellbeing of international students studying in Australia, amid rising hardship.

“The rising cost of living has led international students to rely on charitable organisations to meet their most basic needs, emphasising the need for further support,” Miranda Fennell said.

“We want to ensure the wider international student community is receiving the support they need so they can focus on their education and fully experience living in Australia,” added Fennell.

Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey said there is a reported1 correlation between hunger and concentration.

“We know it becomes more difficult to concentrate and focus when you are hungry which ultimately affects the ability to learn. University is hard enough without having the added pressure of not knowing where your next meal is coming from. This partnership with Allianz Partners will enable many university students up and down the eastern seaboard to have access to nutritious food,” said Ms Casey.

This partnership also builds on Allianz Partners’ culture of assistance with employees getting regular hands-on volunteering opportunities at Foodbank Australia sites across Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.