3 things Riverina residents can do to help
New data from Foodbank NSW & ACT shows that 763,000 people across the state went hungry in the past year, skipping meals or sometimes going entire days without eating.
The food-relief organisation has been fighting hunger since 1992. Each month, providing 339,200 people across the state and territory with food and grocery assistance. The Riverina is an essential source of much-needed produce for Foodbank, with almost a third of their produce coming from the area. It is considered the food bowl to NSW & ACT.
Supply Chain Manager, Joanna Grey says, “It’s hard to believe the levels of hunger across our states. We’re committed to doing everything we can to help feed everyone who needs it, but the demand for food continues to grow and as it stands, we’re short 1million kilograms of essential produce – equivalent to 1.8million meals.
“We’re so fortunate to work with incredible partners who donate so much from the Riverina, it really is the food bowl to NSW & ACT. But as the demand grows, we’re having to reduce the amount that we can give to the charity partners to ensure all of NSW & ACT receives fruit & vegetables.”
Now more than ever, the organisation needs support to continue to feed hungry families. Here’s three ways you can help:
Donate to struggling families this Christmas
Hit hard by floods, bushfires, the COVID pandemic and now the cost-of-living crisis, struggling families are being pushed into hardship and hunger – many for the very first time in their lives. Without urgent support, they simply won’t be able to afford Christmas, meaning many people will go hungry.
For just $35, you can give struggling families a Christmas food hamper so that they don’t have to go without a Christmas meal.
Join the Foodbank team
Foodbank NSW & ACT are on the hunt for a Produce Manager from the Riverina area.
Supply Chain Manager, Joanna Gray says, “Food insecurity is a growing problem, requiring a huge, coordinated response. Our team helps bridge the gap between the food and grocery industry’s surplus items and the 763,000 across our state people going without food. Our employees and volunteers are determined to end hunger, but we need more help.”
Working closely with Riverina farmers, growers and packers, the position will play a key role in achieving the organisation’s goal of increasing the quantity and quality of food distributed to people in need.
“This is an opportunity to use your networks with Riverina farmers, retailers and growers to make a difference to the community.”
Hold a food drive
Food drives are a great way to get teams and communities together whilst helping us get more food, grocery and personal items to the people who need them.
You can help provide meals for people in crisis when you hold a food drive. From canned meals and vegetables to bags of rice and pasta, your generous donations will help many families who would otherwise go without.
Ms Grey says, “We welcome all non-perishable pantry items that are in-date and personal hygiene and household items, including bottled water, tinned food, pasta, long life milk, shampoo, baby food, and more.”
