Max lost his wife. Then he lost everything.

Every day, we witness the difference a meal makes. 

It was Tuesday.

We were about to close the doors of our Community Food Centre in Morwell at the end of what had been a huge day. More than 920kg of food had already gone out to people in the Gippsland community who needed it.

Then Max walked in.

He’d heard we might be able to help. His pantry was literally empty, and he didn’t know where else to turn.

Max had spent years caring full-time for his wife before she passed away. Now, on his own, things had quietly become just a little too hard to manage.

So, we packed him a hamper. And we took the time to listen.

Stories like Max’s are becoming all too familiar. Fuel costs, rent rises, food prices. People trying to absorb hit after hit. Every day, more people are reaching out to us in desperation, looking for food relief, and a place where they feel seen and supported.

We’ve just packed an extra 500 food hampers to have on hand for all the Maxes coming through our Community Food Centres this week. And it’s not even winter.

Across the state, we’re now feeding 76,000 Victorians every single day. If you’re able to help, your donation means that we can ensure that we are there for people like Max when everything is empty.

Latest news

And then Max walked in…

Find out more
And then Max walked in…

Grocery Shopping in Season

Find out more
Grocery Shopping in Season

Easy Beetroot Salad

Find out more
Easy Beetroot Salad

Help on wheels: revving up 6,000 meals

Find out more
Help on wheels: revving up 6,000 meals

Sweet Potato Quesadillas

Find out more
Sweet Potato Quesadillas

Eggplant Teriyaki Bowl

Find out more
Eggplant Teriyaki Bowl

Students pledge to eat more veg!

Find out more
Students pledge to eat more veg!

25,000 meals…a marathon effort

Find out more
25,000 meals…a marathon effort

Tips & Tricks for Reducing Food Waste

Find out more
Tips & Tricks for Reducing Food Waste

Fuelling wellbeing one meal at a time

Find out more
Fuelling wellbeing one meal at a time

From chopping to confidence

Find out more
From chopping to confidence

Spiced Capsicum Hummus

Find out more
Spiced Capsicum Hummus

Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters

Find out more
Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters

After the bushfires: standing strong for Skipton

Find out more
After the bushfires: standing strong for Skipton

Seasonal Veggie Pasta

Find out more
Seasonal Veggie Pasta

Going to the extra km to feed 73,000 Victorians a day

Find out more
Going to the extra km to feed 73,000 Victorians a day

65 million free brekkies, even more smiles

Find out more
65 million free brekkies, even more smiles

How Brekkie Club became a vital recovery hub

Find out more
How Brekkie Club became a vital recovery hub

Win BIG (and make an even bigger impact!)

Find out more
Win BIG (and make an even bigger impact!)

Chrissie Swan’s Pumpkin & Goat’s Cheese Tart

Find out more
Chrissie Swan’s Pumpkin & Goat’s Cheese Tart

5 MILLION meals – thanks to YOU!

Find out more
5 MILLION meals – thanks to YOU!

Leanne’s long road to recovery

Find out more
Leanne’s long road to recovery

From little things big things GROW

Find out more
From little things big things GROW

You had us at Altona!

Find out more
You had us at Altona!

A recipe for belonging

Find out more
A recipe for belonging

Home food packs – tailored food support

Find out more
Home food packs – tailored food support

Lessons that go beyond the kitchen

Find out more
Lessons that go beyond the kitchen

Brekky Club fuels future leaders

Find out more
Brekky Club fuels future leaders

Turn surprise into supply

Find out more
Turn surprise into supply

Turning on the eat

Find out more
Turning on the eat

Celebrating 95 years

Find out more
Celebrating 95 years

Plan to nourish Victoria

Find out more
Plan to nourish Victoria

Stats you won’t hear at the footy

Find out more
Stats you won’t hear at the footy

Glen Park Community Centre

Find out more
Glen Park Community Centre

Darebin Information Volunteer Resource

Find out more
Darebin Information Volunteer Resource

All Saints Church

Find out more
All Saints Church

Thornbury Community Church Partner

Find out more
Thornbury Community Church Partner

Winter Wrap Up

Find out more
Winter Wrap Up

55 Million Meals

Find out more
55 Million Meals

We saved you a seat!

Find out more
We saved you a seat!

Doordash and Melbourne United

Find out more
Doordash and Melbourne United

Chobani and Woolworths

Find out more
Chobani and Woolworths

A huge Food Drive thank you!

Find out more
A huge Food Drive thank you!

The Biggest Food Drive on the Planet

Find out more
The Biggest Food Drive on the Planet

Fountain Gate Secondary College

Find out more
Fountain Gate Secondary College

Empowering leadership and fostering autonomy

Find out more
Empowering leadership and fostering autonomy

The innovative initiatives making a difference

Find out more
The innovative initiatives making a difference

Response to the Inquiry into Food Security

Find out more
Response to the Inquiry into Food Security

More than lunch: How schools serve support

Find out more
More than lunch: How schools serve support

Gleneagles stirring up success and building bonds

Find out more
Gleneagles stirring up success and building bonds

A very special supermarket

Find out more
A very special supermarket

School Breakfast Clubs Program growing

Find out more
School Breakfast Clubs Program growing

Turning food waste into healthy meals

Find out more
Turning food waste into healthy meals

A cracking Christmas result

Find out more
A cracking Christmas result

Charles La Trobe College Breakfast Club

Find out more
Charles La Trobe College Breakfast Club

Cooking classes creating connections

Find out more
Cooking classes creating connections

Free, fresh food – making students smile!

Find out more
Free, fresh food – making students smile!

Food Fight making a difference

Find out more
Food Fight making a difference

Your olympic sized generosity

Find out more
Your olympic sized generosity

Spring pea dip recipe

Find out more
Spring pea dip recipe

Community Food Centres open

Find out more
Community Food Centres open

Much faster food

Find out more
Much faster food

Celebrity spatulas

Find out more
Celebrity spatulas

You helped us, help Rebekah

Find out more
You helped us, help Rebekah

Thanks Victoria – you brought all the food!

Find out more
Thanks Victoria – you brought all the food!

Winter Appeal helps thousands of people

Find out more
Winter Appeal helps thousands of people

Mobile Supermarket bus feeding thousands

Find out more
Mobile Supermarket bus feeding thousands

Thank you, Victoria!

Find out more
Thank you, Victoria!

The Kindness Kitchen

Find out more
The Kindness Kitchen

Charity Partner – McAuley House

Find out more
Charity Partner – McAuley House

Bringing families together with food

Find out more
Bringing families together with food

Parents volunteer to run brekky club

Find out more
Parents volunteer to run brekky club

Dana Street Primary School

Find out more
Dana Street Primary School

Autumn News Storm Food Relief

Find out more
Autumn News Storm Food Relief

Autumn News Fruit Loop

Find out more
Autumn News Fruit Loop

Autumn News Food Fight

Find out more
Autumn News Food Fight

Autumn News Dare To Dream

Find out more
Autumn News Dare To Dream

Autumn News Food is Love, Actually

Find out more
Autumn News Food is Love, Actually

Autumn News Christmas Appeal

Find out more
Autumn News Christmas Appeal

Autumn News Charity Shield Game

Find out more
Autumn News Charity Shield Game

Trafalgar Primary School – Cooking Class Case Study

Find out more
Trafalgar Primary School – Cooking Class Case Study

Greater Shepparton Secondary College

Find out more
Greater Shepparton Secondary College

Minimax Spatulas

Find out more
Minimax Spatulas

Lyndhurst Secondary College – Cooking Class Case Study

Find out more
Lyndhurst Secondary College – Cooking Class Case Study

Kilmore Primary School Breakfast Program

Find out more
Kilmore Primary School Breakfast Program

LaTrobe Valley Flexible Learning Option School Breakfast

Find out more
LaTrobe Valley Flexible Learning Option School Breakfast

Sunny Queen partnered with Foodbank and major retailers

Find out more
Sunny Queen partnered with Foodbank and major retailers

Park Towers Community Pantry

Find out more
Park Towers Community Pantry

Grocery Shopping in Season

Watch this video for practical, easy‑to‑follow tips for grocery shopping in season featuring expert insights from @fruitnerd, Thanh Truong! Learn how you can swap out recipe ingredients with seasonal produce across the year to make the most of your grocery budget.

Enhancing vegetable consumption through food literacy interventions in tertiary settings (HN24005) is funded through Hort Innovation Frontiers with co-investment from Foodbank Victoria and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture. Information is provided for general guidance only.

More videos below

Easy Beetroot Salad

This easy beetroot salad is colourful, filling and packed with simple ingredients. Great for lunches, dinners or meal prep during the week.

A short summary of the recipe goes here!

Heading

This easy beetroot salad is colourful, filling and packed with simple ingredients. Great for lunches, dinners or meal prep during the week.

Heading

Makes: 4 serves
Cooking time: >30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 medium beetroot, peeled and diced into 1-2cm cubes
  • 1/2 cup couscous
  • 1 teaspoon cooking oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder OR 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
  • 1 x 400g can beans or lentils, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 1/2-1 teaspoon dried dill, mint, parsley or oregano
  • 1-2 cups leafy greens, shredded
  • Salt & pepper to taste
EQUIPMENT
  • Knife/grater
  • Stirring spoon
  • Chopping board
  • Large bowl
  • Colander
  • Saucepan
  • Measuring cups/spoons
  • Kettle

Method

1. Peel and slice the beetroot into small wedges.

2. Place the beetroot into a pot of cold, salted water.

3. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat.

4. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.

5. Drain and rest for 2–3 minutes to dry. 

6. Alternatively, toss the beetroot with oil, salt and pepper and herbs and roast in an oven pre-heated to 200c for about 20 minutes until tender.

7. To make the couscous, simply place in a heatproof bowl with the oil and a pinch of salt.

8. Pour over 1 cup boiling water and cover immediately with a plate or cling wrap and rest for 5-10 minutes.

9. Remove the cover and fluff the couscous with a fork.

10. Combine all the ingredients except the leafy greens in a bowl and mix to combine.

11. Adjust lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.

12. Add the leafy greens just before serving.

HOW TO STORE

  • Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
  • Learn more about storing food safely here.
HELPFUL TIPS

  • Double the recipe to make a bigger batch for easy grab-and-go lunches.
  • Fresh herbs add an extra flavour boost – try adding finely chopped dill, chives, parsley, coriander or mint.
  • Feta is another great flavour booster – crumble over the top before serving.
  • Perfect side salad with your choice of protein.
SUBSTITUTIONS

  • Swap the beetroot for other root vegetables like carrot, pumpkin, potatoes, or parsnip.
  • Try out different greens: spinach, rocket, kale (finely sliced), silver beet or cabbage.
  • Try swapping the beans for a can of tinned fish such as tuna or sardines.


Enhancing vegetable consumption through food literacy interventions in tertiary settings (HN24005) is funded through Hort Innovation Frontiers with co-investment from Foodbank Victoria and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture. Information is provided for general guidance only.

More videos below

Sweet Potato Quesadillas

A quick, comforting meal that’s easy to customise with whatever you have on hand, making them perfect for a fast, flavour-packed lunch or dinner.

A short summary of the recipe goes here!

Heading

A quick, comforting meal that’s easy to customise with whatever you have on hand, making them perfect for a fast, flavour-packed lunch or dinner.

Heading

Makes: 2 serves
Cooking time: >15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 medium sweet potato
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes (optional)
  • 2 wraps OR tortillas
  • 3/4 cup grated tasty cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated/finely sliced carrot, cabbage, zucchini OR leafy greens
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon salsa or plain yoghurt, to serve
  • Fresh coriander
  • Lime/lemon
EQUIPMENT
  • Microwave
  • Frying pan/air fryer/sandwich press
  • Chopping board
  • Fork
  • Knife
  • Bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spoon

Method

1. Wash the sweet potato and poke holes all over it with a fork.

2. Place on a microwave safe plate and microwave the sweet potato on high for 5–8 minutes, until soft.

3. Allow to cool, cut the sweet potato open carefully and scoop the soft flesh into a bowl.

4. Add the paprika, cumin, chilli flakes, salt and pepper.

5. Mash everything together with a fork until it becomes a chunky spread. Taste and adjust seasoning.

6. Spread the mixture onto a wrap and sprinkle over the cheese and grated/sliced vegetables. Fold over.

7. Place the cooking oil in a sandwich press, or a frying pan with a drizzle of cooking oil. Cook the folded wrap for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and warm.

8. Cut into wedges and serve with fresh herbs, lemon juice and a dollop of yoghurt.

HOW TO STORE

  • Stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days.
  • Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Learn more about storing food safely here.
HELPFUL TIPS

  • Mash beans or a tin of tuna through the sweet potato for an extra protein boost.
  • Save the sweet potato skin for later, add into soups or stews!
SUBSTITUTIONS

  • Swap sweet potato with pumpkin, potato or carrot (microwave until soft).
  • Swap the spices, try Indian‑style (curry powder & yoghurt) or Middle‑Eastern‑style (cumin, lemon & parsley).
  • Replace wraps with pita, naan, flatbread or toast!
  • Add any leftover veggies: capsicum, spinach, corn, grated zucchini, or roasted vegetables.


Enhancing vegetable consumption through food literacy interventions in tertiary settings (HN24005) is funded through Hort Innovation Frontiers with co-investment from Foodbank Victoria and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture. Information is provided for general guidance only.

More videos below

Help on wheels  the bikers revving up support for Foodbank

We hear them before we see them. The Us & Them Tourers arrive in a rumbling roar, a convoy of chrome and leather. 

The Morwell motorcycle club is generosity on wheels. They’ve been fundraising for Foodbank to help us keep everything running at our Community Food Centre in the heart of the Latrobe Valley.

Somehow, the Tourers managed to balance a giant cheque on the back of one of their bikes, which they present to Foodbank’s Morwell team. It’s money raised in the club’s annual charitable Poker Run raffle – money that will provide meals for more than 6,000 people across Gippsland.   

The funds are greatly appreciated. “A huge big thank you from all of us here in Morwell,” says Julie Pawley, manager at the Community Food Centre. “This is an amazing show of community helping community. The money that has been donated to the centre will help us support the increasing number of people seeking out food.” 

 As the fuel crisis becomes a food crisis, the Morwell CFC has seen a surge in demand for food relief. Every week, more than 150 families – referred by local charity organisations and schools – come to the centre for a free shop from Tuesday to Thursday. We’re now distributing more food, and seeing more and more new faces, people reaching out for food support for the first time in their lives. 

 Noel, one of the Tourers, says the CFC program has been a boon. He comes to the centre once a month to load up his pantry with much-needed supplies. “It’s a good variety of food… everything you need for the house. I can’t say enough for it,” he says. “They’re very friendly people here – and if you’re doing it hard, they’ll look after you.” 

 Dave Watts, the recently retired president of Us & Them Tourers’ Morwell chapter, is also a regular, volunteering at the centre three days a week, bringing orders out to charity partners, stocking shelves, cleaning up and doing “anything that needs to be done”. 

“I like giving back,” he says, “because I was one of those people who had to utilise the service. I had double knee replacements and I couldn’t work. It puts me in a good mood because I’m active and I’m doing something – and I enjoy working with the crew here. It’s very rewarding.”

For many of the Tourers, it’s their first visit to the centre. Julie takes them on tour of the facility. Through the community supermarket, with aisles stocked with pantry essentials, cleaning items and hygiene products. Tubs full of fresh fruit and veg. And the chiller with yoghurt, fresh milk, cheese, pasta and other ready-to-eat meals.  

 The bikers take a seat in the community cafe, to enjoy a cuppa – and a slice of carrot cake or Cherry Ripe chocolate cake baked by volunteers as a thank you to the club. They send their compliments to the chefs.  

 “This is such a good program for the community,” says Dave. “I think it’s even more important now, because everything is tightening with the fuel crisis. It’s hurting a lot of people, and you see the community suffers. And Foodbank gives people that bit of hope, which is really good.”

As the Us & Them Tourers roll out, their thunderous machines sound a lot like a round of applause. A noisy acknowledgement of the work they’re doing for their community. It’s food angels like this crew that keep the wheels turning at Foodbank. If you’ve ever thought about pulling on your own wings and fundraising to help us feed 76,000 people every day, it’s super simple. You can do whatever you love to do: host a movie night, run in a banana suit, hold a bake sale…  

Latest news

And then Max walked in…

Find out more
And then Max walked in…

Grocery Shopping in Season

Find out more
Grocery Shopping in Season

Easy Beetroot Salad

Find out more
Easy Beetroot Salad

Help on wheels: revving up 6,000 meals

Find out more
Help on wheels: revving up 6,000 meals

Sweet Potato Quesadillas

Find out more
Sweet Potato Quesadillas

Eggplant Teriyaki Bowl

Find out more
Eggplant Teriyaki Bowl

Students pledge to eat more veg!

Find out more
Students pledge to eat more veg!

25,000 meals…a marathon effort

Find out more
25,000 meals…a marathon effort

Tips & Tricks for Reducing Food Waste

Find out more
Tips & Tricks for Reducing Food Waste

Fuelling wellbeing one meal at a time

Find out more
Fuelling wellbeing one meal at a time

From chopping to confidence

Find out more
From chopping to confidence

Spiced Capsicum Hummus

Find out more
Spiced Capsicum Hummus

Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters

Find out more
Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters

After the bushfires: standing strong for Skipton

Find out more
After the bushfires: standing strong for Skipton

Seasonal Veggie Pasta

Find out more
Seasonal Veggie Pasta

Going to the extra km to feed 73,000 Victorians a day

Find out more
Going to the extra km to feed 73,000 Victorians a day

65 million free brekkies, even more smiles

Find out more
65 million free brekkies, even more smiles

How Brekkie Club became a vital recovery hub

Find out more
How Brekkie Club became a vital recovery hub

Win BIG (and make an even bigger impact!)

Find out more
Win BIG (and make an even bigger impact!)

Chrissie Swan’s Pumpkin & Goat’s Cheese Tart

Find out more
Chrissie Swan’s Pumpkin & Goat’s Cheese Tart

5 MILLION meals – thanks to YOU!

Find out more
5 MILLION meals – thanks to YOU!

Leanne’s long road to recovery

Find out more
Leanne’s long road to recovery

From little things big things GROW

Find out more
From little things big things GROW

You had us at Altona!

Find out more
You had us at Altona!

A recipe for belonging

Find out more
A recipe for belonging

Home food packs – tailored food support

Find out more
Home food packs – tailored food support

Lessons that go beyond the kitchen

Find out more
Lessons that go beyond the kitchen

Brekky Club fuels future leaders

Find out more
Brekky Club fuels future leaders

Turn surprise into supply

Find out more
Turn surprise into supply

Turning on the eat

Find out more
Turning on the eat

Celebrating 95 years

Find out more
Celebrating 95 years

Plan to nourish Victoria

Find out more
Plan to nourish Victoria

Stats you won’t hear at the footy

Find out more
Stats you won’t hear at the footy

Glen Park Community Centre

Find out more
Glen Park Community Centre

Darebin Information Volunteer Resource

Find out more
Darebin Information Volunteer Resource

All Saints Church

Find out more
All Saints Church

Thornbury Community Church Partner

Find out more
Thornbury Community Church Partner

Winter Wrap Up

Find out more
Winter Wrap Up

55 Million Meals

Find out more
55 Million Meals

We saved you a seat!

Find out more
We saved you a seat!

Doordash and Melbourne United

Find out more
Doordash and Melbourne United

Chobani and Woolworths

Find out more
Chobani and Woolworths

A huge Food Drive thank you!

Find out more
A huge Food Drive thank you!

The Biggest Food Drive on the Planet

Find out more
The Biggest Food Drive on the Planet

Fountain Gate Secondary College

Find out more
Fountain Gate Secondary College

Empowering leadership and fostering autonomy

Find out more
Empowering leadership and fostering autonomy

The innovative initiatives making a difference

Find out more
The innovative initiatives making a difference

Response to the Inquiry into Food Security

Find out more
Response to the Inquiry into Food Security

More than lunch: How schools serve support

Find out more
More than lunch: How schools serve support

Gleneagles stirring up success and building bonds

Find out more
Gleneagles stirring up success and building bonds

A very special supermarket

Find out more
A very special supermarket

School Breakfast Clubs Program growing

Find out more
School Breakfast Clubs Program growing

Turning food waste into healthy meals

Find out more
Turning food waste into healthy meals

A cracking Christmas result

Find out more
A cracking Christmas result

Charles La Trobe College Breakfast Club

Find out more
Charles La Trobe College Breakfast Club

Cooking classes creating connections

Find out more
Cooking classes creating connections

Free, fresh food – making students smile!

Find out more
Free, fresh food – making students smile!

Food Fight making a difference

Find out more
Food Fight making a difference

Your olympic sized generosity

Find out more
Your olympic sized generosity

Spring pea dip recipe

Find out more
Spring pea dip recipe

Community Food Centres open

Find out more
Community Food Centres open

Much faster food

Find out more
Much faster food

Celebrity spatulas

Find out more
Celebrity spatulas

You helped us, help Rebekah

Find out more
You helped us, help Rebekah

Thanks Victoria – you brought all the food!

Find out more
Thanks Victoria – you brought all the food!

Winter Appeal helps thousands of people

Find out more
Winter Appeal helps thousands of people

Mobile Supermarket bus feeding thousands

Find out more
Mobile Supermarket bus feeding thousands

Thank you, Victoria!

Find out more
Thank you, Victoria!

The Kindness Kitchen

Find out more
The Kindness Kitchen

Charity Partner – McAuley House

Find out more
Charity Partner – McAuley House

Bringing families together with food

Find out more
Bringing families together with food

Parents volunteer to run brekky club

Find out more
Parents volunteer to run brekky club

Dana Street Primary School

Find out more
Dana Street Primary School

Autumn News Storm Food Relief

Find out more
Autumn News Storm Food Relief

Autumn News Fruit Loop

Find out more
Autumn News Fruit Loop

Autumn News Food Fight

Find out more
Autumn News Food Fight

Autumn News Dare To Dream

Find out more
Autumn News Dare To Dream

Autumn News Food is Love, Actually

Find out more
Autumn News Food is Love, Actually

Autumn News Christmas Appeal

Find out more
Autumn News Christmas Appeal

Autumn News Charity Shield Game

Find out more
Autumn News Charity Shield Game

Trafalgar Primary School – Cooking Class Case Study

Find out more
Trafalgar Primary School – Cooking Class Case Study

Greater Shepparton Secondary College

Find out more
Greater Shepparton Secondary College

Minimax Spatulas

Find out more
Minimax Spatulas

Lyndhurst Secondary College – Cooking Class Case Study

Find out more
Lyndhurst Secondary College – Cooking Class Case Study

Kilmore Primary School Breakfast Program

Find out more
Kilmore Primary School Breakfast Program

LaTrobe Valley Flexible Learning Option School Breakfast

Find out more
LaTrobe Valley Flexible Learning Option School Breakfast

Sunny Queen partnered with Foodbank and major retailers

Find out more
Sunny Queen partnered with Foodbank and major retailers

Park Towers Community Pantry

Find out more
Park Towers Community Pantry

Eggplant & Tofu Teriyaki Bowl

A simple, tasty bowl packed with vegetables and sweet‑savoury teriyaki flavour. Easy to make and perfect for any night of the week.

A short summary of the recipe goes here!

Heading

This veggie packed pasta is ideal for meal prep or filling the freezer.

Heading

Makes: 4 serves
Cooking time: >30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 medium eggplants
  • 450g firm tofu
  • 1-2 tablespoons oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger or 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon sugar, honey or maple syrup
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1/2 bunch spring onions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Chilli flakes, optional
EQUIPMENT
  • Microwave
  • Frying pan
  • Chopping board
  • Fork
  • Knife
  • Bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spoon

Method

1. Wash the eggplant and cut it into bite-sized cubes. Sprinkle over a pinch of salt.

2. Cut the tofu into small cubes (about the same size as the eggplant).

3. Heat oil in a pan and cook eggplant for 8-10 minutes until browned on all sides.

4. Add tofu and cook another 5–7 minutes, stirring until browned on all sides.

5. Mix soy sauce, vinegar, ginger and sugar/honey in a small bowl.

6. Pour the sauce over the eggplant and tofu. 

7. Add the corn and spring onion.

8. Cook for 1-2 more minutes, stirring until the sauce coats everything.

9. Serve the teriyaki mixture over noodles or rice.

HOW TO STORE

  • Leftovers make a great lunch, eat within 2 days. Reheat until steaming hot.
  • The teriyaki mixture freezes well for up to 2 months.
  • Learn more about storing food safely here.
HELPFUL TIPS

  • If using tinned corn, drain it first; if using frozen corn, add directly.
  • Microwave rice saves time and clean-up.
  • Add a fried egg on top if you want extra protein.
SUBSTITUTIONS

  • Swap tofu for chicken, red meat, fish, boiled/fried eggs or legumes/pulses. 
  • Swap eggplant for zucchini, mushrooms, or capsicum.
  • Swap the corn for other frozen vegetables such as peas, green beans, cauliflower or broccoli.


Enhancing vegetable consumption through food literacy interventions in tertiary settings (HN24005) is funded through Hort Innovation Frontiers with co-investment from Foodbank Victoria and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture. Information is provided for general guidance only.

More videos below

Smarty plants veggie markets for uni students 

Foodbank Victoria is helping uni students across the country eat more veggies at a time when the demand for food relief is surging. 

“Living on a student budget isn’t the best for a nutritious, healthy diet,” says Johannes, an industrial engineering student from Germany. Indeed, only 5% of tertiary students in Australia are eating their daily recommended 5 serves of veg, relying on low-cost, low-nutrition food to get by. And two-thirds worry they’ll run out of food every week. For international students, the crisis is compounded by restrictions on how much they’re allowed to work.

But today, Johannes loaded up with bags full of fresh produce that he’s planning to cook with his flatmates. A week’s worth of carrots, potatoes, onions, capsicums, eggplants, zucchini and sweet potato. He stumbled across Foodbank Victoria’s very first Plus One Serve market at Monash University, where 464 students were able to access 2400kg of fresh vegetables. “I just came from class and saw the line – and saw this amazing opportunity to get some free food.”

The on-campus market project, funded by Hort Innovation Frontiers with co-investment from Foodbank Victoria and contributions from the Australian government, is investigating ways to boost veggie consumption and healthy eating habits at this critical life stage. At a time when many people are responsible for feeding themselves for the first time – but don’t necessarily have the funds or skills to make healthy choices.  

For computer science student Vajon, Foodbank’s market is a welcome sight on the Clayton campus as a time when the fuel crisis has seen him cut back on car trips to the supermarket. It also means he’ll be eating a wider variety of vegetables he can’t usually afford. “I only eat zucchinis or other types of vegetables when I come to Foodbank,” he says. “I feel very happy in getting free groceries, it takes a load of my financial stress and financial pressures. At the moment, it’s a bit tough to buy veg, especially if it’s outside my budget.”   

The program not only provides health benefits and cost-of-living relief for students, it also supports growers and farming communities by providing a genuine secondary supply chain for the produce they work so hard to grow. “We know that when money is tight, vegetables are often the first thing that people give up in their grocery baskets,” says Foodbank Victoria Chief Commercial Officer Katie Fisher. “These students are not buying veggies at the moment, so every carrot or potato that goes through this model is an additional market for growers.”

Students at the Monash market also received bread, green apples and a food hamper complete with nourishing vegetable-rich recipes and practical videos to enhance vegetable consumption through food literacy interventions. It’s a model that can be scaled nationally to reach the 1.5 million tertiary students around Australia – and encourage them to eat an extra serve of veggies each day.     

For Johannes, it’s this kind of support that encourages healthy eating. “Universities in Germany or Denmark don’t really have these kinds of events where they show you how to eat healthy, live healthy. It’s a great thing.”  

Funding acknowledgement 

Enhancing vegetable consumption through food literacy interventions in tertiary settings (HN24005) is funded through Hort Innovation Frontiers with co-investment from Foodbank Victoria and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture. 


Latest news

And then Max walked in…

Find out more
And then Max walked in…

Grocery Shopping in Season

Find out more
Grocery Shopping in Season

Easy Beetroot Salad

Find out more
Easy Beetroot Salad

Help on wheels: revving up 6,000 meals

Find out more
Help on wheels: revving up 6,000 meals

Sweet Potato Quesadillas

Find out more
Sweet Potato Quesadillas

Eggplant Teriyaki Bowl

Find out more
Eggplant Teriyaki Bowl

Students pledge to eat more veg!

Find out more
Students pledge to eat more veg!

25,000 meals…a marathon effort

Find out more
25,000 meals…a marathon effort

Tips & Tricks for Reducing Food Waste

Find out more
Tips & Tricks for Reducing Food Waste

Fuelling wellbeing one meal at a time

Find out more
Fuelling wellbeing one meal at a time

From chopping to confidence

Find out more
From chopping to confidence

Spiced Capsicum Hummus

Find out more
Spiced Capsicum Hummus

Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters

Find out more
Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters

After the bushfires: standing strong for Skipton

Find out more
After the bushfires: standing strong for Skipton

Seasonal Veggie Pasta

Find out more
Seasonal Veggie Pasta

Going to the extra km to feed 73,000 Victorians a day

Find out more
Going to the extra km to feed 73,000 Victorians a day

65 million free brekkies, even more smiles

Find out more
65 million free brekkies, even more smiles

How Brekkie Club became a vital recovery hub

Find out more
How Brekkie Club became a vital recovery hub

Win BIG (and make an even bigger impact!)

Find out more
Win BIG (and make an even bigger impact!)

Chrissie Swan’s Pumpkin & Goat’s Cheese Tart

Find out more
Chrissie Swan’s Pumpkin & Goat’s Cheese Tart

5 MILLION meals – thanks to YOU!

Find out more
5 MILLION meals – thanks to YOU!

Leanne’s long road to recovery

Find out more
Leanne’s long road to recovery

From little things big things GROW

Find out more
From little things big things GROW

You had us at Altona!

Find out more
You had us at Altona!

A recipe for belonging

Find out more
A recipe for belonging

Home food packs – tailored food support

Find out more
Home food packs – tailored food support

Lessons that go beyond the kitchen

Find out more
Lessons that go beyond the kitchen

Brekky Club fuels future leaders

Find out more
Brekky Club fuels future leaders

Turn surprise into supply

Find out more
Turn surprise into supply

Turning on the eat

Find out more
Turning on the eat

Celebrating 95 years

Find out more
Celebrating 95 years

Plan to nourish Victoria

Find out more
Plan to nourish Victoria

Stats you won’t hear at the footy

Find out more
Stats you won’t hear at the footy

Glen Park Community Centre

Find out more
Glen Park Community Centre

Darebin Information Volunteer Resource

Find out more
Darebin Information Volunteer Resource

All Saints Church

Find out more
All Saints Church

Thornbury Community Church Partner

Find out more
Thornbury Community Church Partner

Winter Wrap Up

Find out more
Winter Wrap Up

55 Million Meals

Find out more
55 Million Meals

We saved you a seat!

Find out more
We saved you a seat!

Doordash and Melbourne United

Find out more
Doordash and Melbourne United

Chobani and Woolworths

Find out more
Chobani and Woolworths

A huge Food Drive thank you!

Find out more
A huge Food Drive thank you!

The Biggest Food Drive on the Planet

Find out more
The Biggest Food Drive on the Planet

Fountain Gate Secondary College

Find out more
Fountain Gate Secondary College

Empowering leadership and fostering autonomy

Find out more
Empowering leadership and fostering autonomy

The innovative initiatives making a difference

Find out more
The innovative initiatives making a difference

Response to the Inquiry into Food Security

Find out more
Response to the Inquiry into Food Security

More than lunch: How schools serve support

Find out more
More than lunch: How schools serve support

Gleneagles stirring up success and building bonds

Find out more
Gleneagles stirring up success and building bonds

A very special supermarket

Find out more
A very special supermarket

School Breakfast Clubs Program growing

Find out more
School Breakfast Clubs Program growing

Turning food waste into healthy meals

Find out more
Turning food waste into healthy meals

A cracking Christmas result

Find out more
A cracking Christmas result

Charles La Trobe College Breakfast Club

Find out more
Charles La Trobe College Breakfast Club

Cooking classes creating connections

Find out more
Cooking classes creating connections

Free, fresh food – making students smile!

Find out more
Free, fresh food – making students smile!

Food Fight making a difference

Find out more
Food Fight making a difference

Your olympic sized generosity

Find out more
Your olympic sized generosity

Spring pea dip recipe

Find out more
Spring pea dip recipe

Community Food Centres open

Find out more
Community Food Centres open

Much faster food

Find out more
Much faster food

Celebrity spatulas

Find out more
Celebrity spatulas

You helped us, help Rebekah

Find out more
You helped us, help Rebekah

Thanks Victoria – you brought all the food!

Find out more
Thanks Victoria – you brought all the food!

Winter Appeal helps thousands of people

Find out more
Winter Appeal helps thousands of people

Mobile Supermarket bus feeding thousands

Find out more
Mobile Supermarket bus feeding thousands

Thank you, Victoria!

Find out more
Thank you, Victoria!

The Kindness Kitchen

Find out more
The Kindness Kitchen

Charity Partner – McAuley House

Find out more
Charity Partner – McAuley House

Bringing families together with food

Find out more
Bringing families together with food

Parents volunteer to run brekky club

Find out more
Parents volunteer to run brekky club

Dana Street Primary School

Find out more
Dana Street Primary School

Autumn News Storm Food Relief

Find out more
Autumn News Storm Food Relief

Autumn News Fruit Loop

Find out more
Autumn News Fruit Loop

Autumn News Food Fight

Find out more
Autumn News Food Fight

Autumn News Dare To Dream

Find out more
Autumn News Dare To Dream

Autumn News Food is Love, Actually

Find out more
Autumn News Food is Love, Actually

Autumn News Christmas Appeal

Find out more
Autumn News Christmas Appeal

Autumn News Charity Shield Game

Find out more
Autumn News Charity Shield Game

Trafalgar Primary School – Cooking Class Case Study

Find out more
Trafalgar Primary School – Cooking Class Case Study

Greater Shepparton Secondary College

Find out more
Greater Shepparton Secondary College

Minimax Spatulas

Find out more
Minimax Spatulas

Lyndhurst Secondary College – Cooking Class Case Study

Find out more
Lyndhurst Secondary College – Cooking Class Case Study

Kilmore Primary School Breakfast Program

Find out more
Kilmore Primary School Breakfast Program

LaTrobe Valley Flexible Learning Option School Breakfast

Find out more
LaTrobe Valley Flexible Learning Option School Breakfast

Sunny Queen partnered with Foodbank and major retailers

Find out more
Sunny Queen partnered with Foodbank and major retailers

Park Towers Community Pantry

Find out more
Park Towers Community Pantry

25,000 meals…and running

As Foodbank’s running crew clocked up the kays at Ballarat Marathon, you rallied. You helped us raise 25,000 meals. You made sure no one’s left behind. 

How fast can a banana run? Pretty fast, it turns out.* Especially if it’s for Foodbank Victoria. Last weekend, a bunch of Foodbank folks wound up in Ballarat to wind their way through the streets of the historic town – all to raise much-needed funds for Victorians in need. 

Our crew of 18 humans (and two very determined bananas) laced up their sneakers to tackle the 5km and 10km events at Ballarat Marathon. With the sun shining over the two-day festival, our runners were spurred on by spectators lining the course – chants of “Go Foodbank, go!” got us over the finish line.  

So did your generosity. 

The support of kind-hearted food angels like you helped us raise more than 25,000 meals. That’s thousands of families who won’t have to choose between food and fuel this week. Thousands of moments of relief. Thousands of smiles. 

It’s why every kilometre, every dollar mattered. When every $1 donated = 2 meals created. 

Our marathon effort was also supported by our friends at Kinrise Snackfoods who filled our pop-up tent with Cobs popcorn for the people of Ballarat. And by Cheer toastie truck, with 50% of the weekend’s proceeds going to Foodbank. 

 It’s not too late to donate. You can help us put food on the table for 73,000 Victorians every day. 

Help us go the extra km!


Our bananas may have been lickety-split quick, but they didn’t crack any world records. The fastest marathon dressed as a banana was set at the 2025 Boston Marathon: 2 hours, 33 minutes and 19 seconds. We’re a-peeling for someone to attempt that record in Ballarat next year! 

Latest news

And then Max walked in…

Find out more
And then Max walked in…

Grocery Shopping in Season

Find out more
Grocery Shopping in Season

Easy Beetroot Salad

Find out more
Easy Beetroot Salad

Help on wheels: revving up 6,000 meals

Find out more
Help on wheels: revving up 6,000 meals

Sweet Potato Quesadillas

Find out more
Sweet Potato Quesadillas

Eggplant Teriyaki Bowl

Find out more
Eggplant Teriyaki Bowl

Students pledge to eat more veg!

Find out more
Students pledge to eat more veg!

25,000 meals…a marathon effort

Find out more
25,000 meals…a marathon effort

Tips & Tricks for Reducing Food Waste

Find out more
Tips & Tricks for Reducing Food Waste

Fuelling wellbeing one meal at a time

Find out more
Fuelling wellbeing one meal at a time

From chopping to confidence

Find out more
From chopping to confidence

Spiced Capsicum Hummus

Find out more
Spiced Capsicum Hummus

Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters

Find out more
Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters

After the bushfires: standing strong for Skipton

Find out more
After the bushfires: standing strong for Skipton

Seasonal Veggie Pasta

Find out more
Seasonal Veggie Pasta

Going to the extra km to feed 73,000 Victorians a day

Find out more
Going to the extra km to feed 73,000 Victorians a day

65 million free brekkies, even more smiles

Find out more
65 million free brekkies, even more smiles

How Brekkie Club became a vital recovery hub

Find out more
How Brekkie Club became a vital recovery hub

Win BIG (and make an even bigger impact!)

Find out more
Win BIG (and make an even bigger impact!)

Chrissie Swan’s Pumpkin & Goat’s Cheese Tart

Find out more
Chrissie Swan’s Pumpkin & Goat’s Cheese Tart

5 MILLION meals – thanks to YOU!

Find out more
5 MILLION meals – thanks to YOU!

Leanne’s long road to recovery

Find out more
Leanne’s long road to recovery

From little things big things GROW

Find out more
From little things big things GROW

You had us at Altona!

Find out more
You had us at Altona!

A recipe for belonging

Find out more
A recipe for belonging

Home food packs – tailored food support

Find out more
Home food packs – tailored food support

Lessons that go beyond the kitchen

Find out more
Lessons that go beyond the kitchen

Brekky Club fuels future leaders

Find out more
Brekky Club fuels future leaders

Turn surprise into supply

Find out more
Turn surprise into supply

Turning on the eat

Find out more
Turning on the eat

Celebrating 95 years

Find out more
Celebrating 95 years

Plan to nourish Victoria

Find out more
Plan to nourish Victoria

Stats you won’t hear at the footy

Find out more
Stats you won’t hear at the footy

Glen Park Community Centre

Find out more
Glen Park Community Centre

Darebin Information Volunteer Resource

Find out more
Darebin Information Volunteer Resource

All Saints Church

Find out more
All Saints Church

Thornbury Community Church Partner

Find out more
Thornbury Community Church Partner

Winter Wrap Up

Find out more
Winter Wrap Up

55 Million Meals

Find out more
55 Million Meals

We saved you a seat!

Find out more
We saved you a seat!

Doordash and Melbourne United

Find out more
Doordash and Melbourne United

Chobani and Woolworths

Find out more
Chobani and Woolworths

A huge Food Drive thank you!

Find out more
A huge Food Drive thank you!

The Biggest Food Drive on the Planet

Find out more
The Biggest Food Drive on the Planet

Fountain Gate Secondary College

Find out more
Fountain Gate Secondary College

Empowering leadership and fostering autonomy

Find out more
Empowering leadership and fostering autonomy

The innovative initiatives making a difference

Find out more
The innovative initiatives making a difference

Response to the Inquiry into Food Security

Find out more
Response to the Inquiry into Food Security

More than lunch: How schools serve support

Find out more
More than lunch: How schools serve support

Gleneagles stirring up success and building bonds

Find out more
Gleneagles stirring up success and building bonds

A very special supermarket

Find out more
A very special supermarket

School Breakfast Clubs Program growing

Find out more
School Breakfast Clubs Program growing

Turning food waste into healthy meals

Find out more
Turning food waste into healthy meals

A cracking Christmas result

Find out more
A cracking Christmas result

Charles La Trobe College Breakfast Club

Find out more
Charles La Trobe College Breakfast Club

Cooking classes creating connections

Find out more
Cooking classes creating connections

Free, fresh food – making students smile!

Find out more
Free, fresh food – making students smile!

Food Fight making a difference

Find out more
Food Fight making a difference

Your olympic sized generosity

Find out more
Your olympic sized generosity

Spring pea dip recipe

Find out more
Spring pea dip recipe

Community Food Centres open

Find out more
Community Food Centres open

Much faster food

Find out more
Much faster food

Celebrity spatulas

Find out more
Celebrity spatulas

You helped us, help Rebekah

Find out more
You helped us, help Rebekah

Thanks Victoria – you brought all the food!

Find out more
Thanks Victoria – you brought all the food!

Winter Appeal helps thousands of people

Find out more
Winter Appeal helps thousands of people

Mobile Supermarket bus feeding thousands

Find out more
Mobile Supermarket bus feeding thousands

Thank you, Victoria!

Find out more
Thank you, Victoria!

The Kindness Kitchen

Find out more
The Kindness Kitchen

Charity Partner – McAuley House

Find out more
Charity Partner – McAuley House

Bringing families together with food

Find out more
Bringing families together with food

Parents volunteer to run brekky club

Find out more
Parents volunteer to run brekky club

Dana Street Primary School

Find out more
Dana Street Primary School

Autumn News Storm Food Relief

Find out more
Autumn News Storm Food Relief

Autumn News Fruit Loop

Find out more
Autumn News Fruit Loop

Autumn News Food Fight

Find out more
Autumn News Food Fight

Autumn News Dare To Dream

Find out more
Autumn News Dare To Dream

Autumn News Food is Love, Actually

Find out more
Autumn News Food is Love, Actually

Autumn News Christmas Appeal

Find out more
Autumn News Christmas Appeal

Autumn News Charity Shield Game

Find out more
Autumn News Charity Shield Game

Trafalgar Primary School – Cooking Class Case Study

Find out more
Trafalgar Primary School – Cooking Class Case Study

Greater Shepparton Secondary College

Find out more
Greater Shepparton Secondary College

Minimax Spatulas

Find out more
Minimax Spatulas

Lyndhurst Secondary College – Cooking Class Case Study

Find out more
Lyndhurst Secondary College – Cooking Class Case Study

Kilmore Primary School Breakfast Program

Find out more
Kilmore Primary School Breakfast Program

LaTrobe Valley Flexible Learning Option School Breakfast

Find out more
LaTrobe Valley Flexible Learning Option School Breakfast

Sunny Queen partnered with Foodbank and major retailers

Find out more
Sunny Queen partnered with Foodbank and major retailers

Park Towers Community Pantry

Find out more
Park Towers Community Pantry

Tips & Tricks for Reducing Food Waste

This video covers practical, easy‑to‑follow tips on reducing food waste at home, featuring expert insights from @fruitnerd, Thanh Truong, on how to make the most of fresh produce and storing leftovers!

Enhancing vegetable consumption through food literacy interventions in tertiary settings (HN24005) is funded through Hort Innovation Frontiers with co-investment from Foodbank Victoria and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture. Information is provided for general guidance only.

More videos below

Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters

Perfect for using up any vegetables you have at the bottom of the fridge, these veggie fritters make an easy, budget friendly snack or lunchbox filler.

A short summary of the recipe goes here!

Heading

This veggie packed pasta is ideal for meal prep or filling the freezer.

Heading

Makes: 12 fritters
Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 medium zucchini
  • 1 medium sweet potato
  • 1/2 onion, finely sliced OR 1/2 bunch spring onions (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups self-raising flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano OR mixed Italian spices
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 3 eggs (optional)
  • Cooking oil
EQUIPMENT
  • Mixing bowl
  • Frying pan
  • Stove top
  • Grater
  • Chopping board
  • Knife
  • Spatula/egg flip
  • Measuring cups/spoons
  • Large spoon

Method

1. Grate or finely slice the zucchini and sweet potato.

2. Squeeze the excess juice from the zucchini, by placing in a tea towel or cloth and squeezing over the sink/a bowl.

3. Finely slice the onion.

4. Place in a large mixing bowl.

5. Add the flour, herbs/spices, salt and pepper. Mix to combine.

6. Crack the eggs and add to the bowl. If not using eggs, add 1 cup of water and mix to combine. Mix to form a batter.

7. Heat a frying pan over medium high heat.

8. Add oil and carefully spoon in 1/2 cup of batter.

9. Cook until golden on one side and then carefully flip. Cook until golden on the other side and cooked through. 

10. Remove the fritter and allow to cool slightly. Alternatively, cook fritters in the air fryer at 180C for 10-12 minutes, turning once.

11. Taste test and adjust seasoning before frying the remaining batter.

HOW TO STORE

  • Store in a container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
  • Cooked fritters can be frozen individually, best eaten within 6 months.
  • Learn more about storing food safely here.
HELPFUL TIPS

  • Serve with mayonnaise and kecap manis, or a simple sauce made from plain yoghurt, lemon juice and mint.
  • Perfect with a side salad, fried egg, extra protein and/or served with flat bread or as a burger.
  • These are great eaten hot or cold.
SUBSTITUTIONS

  • In winter swap the zucchini for ¼ cabbage and add dashi stock or soy sauce for an okonomiyaki style fritter. Top with Japanese Mayonnaise and kecap manis.
  • Any type of vegetable can be used in this fritter recipe, simply ensure they are grated/finely sliced.
  • Frozen peas and corn are a great addition to boost the veg!
  • Change the flavour by adding Italian herbs and spices, fresh herbs, feta cheese, curry powder, paprika or lemon zest.

Enhancing vegetable consumption through food literacy interventions in tertiary settings (HN24005) is funded through Hort Innovation Frontiers with co-investment from Foodbank Victoria and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture. Information is provided for general guidance only.

More videos below