25 years of impact made possible by you

This year marks a significant milestone for Foodbank SA & NT: 25 years of providing food relief to people doing it tough across South Australia and the Northern Territory. Every step of this journey has been made possible by the generosity and belief of supporters like you.

Foodbank SA was founded by Leigh Royans AM, and first opened its doors in December 2000, operating from a single warehouse in Edwardstown. Foodbank’s mission was simple: rescue surplus food and ensure it reached people who needed it most.

In that first year, Foodbank delivered just over 360,000 meals. It was a modest beginning, driven by early supporters and food donors who believed hunger could be addressed through collaboration, dignity, and care.

“From the very beginning, Foodbank has been about people coming together to make sure no one is left behind,” says CEO Greg Pattinson.

Twenty-five years on, your continued support now helps deliver more than 12 million meals every year. What began as one warehouse has grown into a state and territory-wide network supporting thousands of families and individuals facing food insecurity.

Today, Foodbank operates through 8 warehouses, multiple Food Hubs and Mobile Food Hubs, and partnerships with more than 740 welfare agencies and 570 school programs. Your support reaches far beyond Foodbank alone, helping supply around 80% of all food relief in South Australia and 90% in the Northern Territory.

As demand continued to rise, Foodbank outgrew its original home. In 2026, a new, much larger warehouse in Pooraka opened its doors, giving Foodbank the capacity to receive more food, including fresh and chilled items, and ensure fewer donations are turned away.

“This expansion is about being ready for the future. So when people need help, we can say yes.” Greg says.

As we reflect on 25 years of impact, we do so with deep gratitude. Your generosity keeps food moving, supports frontline organisations, and helps ensure no one is turned away hungry, today and into the future.