AUSTRALIA | Coles has launched its first Community Food Relief Appeal with SecondBite and Foodbank, giving customers a new way to help provide more meals to Australians facing food hardship.
Funds raised will be distributed to SecondBite and Foodbank Australia to help provide food through thousands of frontline organisations that cook meals, pack hampers and stock community pantries across the country.
The Appeal was built on Coles' longstanding food rescue program, which to date has donated the equivalent of 377 million meals to Australians who need it most.
The Appeal came as new national research commissioned by Coles, SecondBite and Foodbank estimates 3.6 million Australians experienced food hardship for the first time in the last six months.
Many Australians were also reluctant to seek support from food relief charities. Nearly half would not access food relief if they needed to because they believed someone else needed it more, while one in three would be too embarrassed to ask.
The research showed that rising electricity and gas bills, rising fuel and transport costs (37 percent), and rent or mortgage increases (24 percent) were among the biggest pressures over the past six months, affecting how much households can spend on food.
Coles Chief Executive Officer Leah Weckert said the Appeal gave customers and suppliers a way to support the work food relief partners do every day.
“We know many Australians are doing it tough. While food relief alone cannot address the broader cost-of-living pressures facing households, it can provide vital and immediate support for people who are going without,” said Weckert.
“Every day, our team members set aside unsold, edible food for SecondBite and Foodbank so it can reach local charities and communities where it is needed most. Through these longstanding partnerships, Coles has helped provide the equivalent of 377 million meals. This Appeal builds on that contribution and gives customers and suppliers another way to help put more meals on Australian tables.”
Until Tuesday, the 1st of September, 11 participating suppliers will donate 20 cents for each eligible product sold at participating Coles stores and online, subject to any applicable donation caps.
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