Brisbane Markets helps provide 270,000 meals to people facing hunger

Brisbane Markets Limited is one of Foodbank Queensland’s valued partners helping us supply nutritious food to hungry Queenslanders.

Working together, more than 150,000 kilograms of fresh food is collected by Foodbank Queensland at Brisbane Markets each year and distributed to Queenslanders in need. That’s the equivalent of more than 270,000 meals to help hungry Queenslanders put food on the table.

Luke Leeson, Communication Manager at Brisbane Markets, said as Queensland’s only central fruit and vegetable market, the Brisbane Produce Market was the state’s most important centre for the marketing and distribution of fresh fruit and vegetables.

“The Brisbane Produce Market forms a vital link in the supply chain between Growers of fresh produce and over 800 registered buyers, including independent supermarkets, retailers, food processors, secondary wholesalers and the food service industry.”

“More than 650 million kilograms of fresh produce, valued at $1.7 billion, passes through the Brisbane Produce Market every year,” Luke said.

With the help of Brisbane Markets, many wholesalers donate to Foodbank Queensland, some of which have been donating for more than 15 years to help fight hunger across the state.

Bob McMillan, Foodbank Queensland Food Supply Manager, said Foodbank was proud to work with Brisbane Markets to rescue food, reduce waste, and fight hunger.

“Sadly, one in five people in our community, are in crisis at some point each year, dealing with the anguish and despair of not knowing where the next meal will come from. Every food donation, big or small, makes a very real difference to people suffering from hunger.”

“Donating surplus or imperfect food enables Brisbane Markets wholesalers to directly provide benefits to people who are living in disadvantaged circumstances whilst having a positive impact on the environment,” Bob said.

Foodbank works closely with retailers, farmers and manufacturers throughout Australia who donate fresh, ambient, chilled and frozen food, as well as personal care and household items to support people in need.

Our wonderful food donors help us ensure that our shelves are never empty, and our Member Charities can continue distributing food across Queensland to those who need it most. A big thank you to all of our food donors for your continued generosity.

If you’re in the food industry and are interested in becoming a food donor, please click here.