Metcash helps feed Australians in need

Metcash has signed as a national donor to Foodbank.

Foodbank collected, warehoused and distributed 19 million kilograms of food to 2200 welfare agencies across the country last year – representing 25 million meals.

The organisation has seen a 20% rise in the number of welfare agencies seeking assistance in NSW over the last 12 months as the effects of global financial crisis continue to be felt.

A recent report on the impact of financial stress in NSW released by the Wesley Mission noted that 7% of people are now going without meals to make ends meet.

This scenario is replicated across the country and, despite the generosity of the food industry, donations are falling well short of meeting demand.

Metcash donated about 250,000 kg of food to Foodbank last year, primarily in Queensland.

The new formal partnership will create the opportunity for Foodbank to be fully integrated into Metcash’s waste management and corporate social responsibility programs.