Woolworths provides fresh boost of funding for food relief partners

• Woolworths commits up to an additional $1 million to support OzHarvest, Foodbank, Fareshare and Good360 to meet the soaring demand for their services
• Woolworths customers can also play their part by rounding-up their purchases in store to Foodbank or buying the equivalent of a hamper online to Ozharvest
• The support comes on top of the $8 million provided to food relief partners over the last 12 months

Wednesday, 18 August, 2021: Some of Australia’s leading charities at the frontline of meeting growing food relief demand during the pandemic can scale up their support for the community thanks to an increased funding commitment from Woolworths. 

Woolworths has pledged up to $1 million of additional support in food, essential items and logistics to help their long-standing partners, OzHarvest, Foodbank and Fareshare, as well as BIG W everyday community needs partner Good360.

An initial $500,000 commitment from Woolworths will provide immediate support to help increase the delivery of food hampers and pre-prepared meals for Australians in need.

Customers will also be able to play their part in supporting food relief efforts when shopping at Woolworths Supermarkets (min $30 spend) and Metro stores (min $15 spend) by rounding-up their purchases to the nearest dollar at the self-serve checkouts. All money raised as part of the round-up will go to Foodbank to deliver emergency food and groceries to Australian communities struggling as a result of the lockdowns and the continued impacts of COVID-19.

From later this week, Woolworths online customers will also be able to donate the equivalent cost of a hamper to further help OzHarvest scale up their food hamper hubs in some of the hardest impacted areas of the country.

Woolworths will match dollar for dollar any money donated by customers in-store or online, up to $500,000, to further support its food relief partners, as well as help Good360 distribute essential everyday items such as toiletries to the community.

In the last 12 months, Woolworths and its customers have provided more than $8 million in support to OzHarvest, Foodbank and Fareshare with 10,000 tonnes of edible surplus food provided to charities.

More recently Woolworths also increased its support for its long-term food relief partners through:

• The additional sourcing and supply of essential groceries, household and hygiene items, as well as fresh food and protein.
• Donating more than 70 pallets of essential food and grocery items valued at over $150,000 to Foodbank to support emergency relief efforts in NSW and the Northern Territory.
• Providing pro bono logistics support via Woolworths Group supply chain arm Primary Connect to help Foodbank get more food into more communities in remote and regional locations nationwide.
• Establishing pro bono logistics support to transport 2 pallets per month of FareShare’s fresh frozen meals from Melbourne into Mildura.
• Record monthly donation volumes of food to OzHarvest from stores across Australia.

Brad Banducci, Woolworths Group CEO said: “Caring for Australian communities is an important part of what it means to be today’s Fresh Food People. We’re continually inspired by how our teams, partners, and customers are working together to support those most in need during the pandemic.

“While our store teams have been on the frontline serving the essential needs of the community, our charity partners have likewise been doing incredible work ensuring Australians hit hardest by this crisis can still access quality nutritious food and essential household goods. We’re very grateful for the work they do and pleased to continue our support of their efforts.”

Brianna Casey, Foodbank Australia CEO said: “This additional support from Woolworths couldn’t have come at a more important time. With so many parts of the country in lockdown right now and the lingering impacts of COVID-19 being felt by communities everywhere, we’ve never needed more emergency food relief.

“We’re delighted that Woolworths customers across the country will have the opportunity to get involved and so grateful for this invaluable support from the supermarket. We know first-hand what a difference these gestures of kindness make to those who would otherwise be feeling alone or forgotten.”

Ronni Kahn AO, OzHarvest Founder and CEO said: “The increase in food relief for vulnerable Australians is unlike anything we have seen before. We thank Woolworths for recognising this demand and supporting us to help Australians in need at this crucial time.”

Marcus Godinho, FareShare CEO said: “Requests for FareShare meals have escalated as frontline charities strive to provide nutritious cooked meals for vulnerable Australians who are unable to cook for themselves. Thanks to Woolworths’ support we will cook more free healthy, homestyle meals to help Australians who have fallen on hard times.”

Alison Covington, Good360 Founder & MD said: “In the current circumstances, with a significant escalation in need for basic essential items, our communities require our support more than ever. Receiving brand new goods and knowing that someone cares provides dignity and hope in challenging times. We thank Woolworths for standing with us and supporting Australians when they need it most.”

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For more information, contact the Woolworths Media Team media@woolworths.com.au 02 8885 1033