AUSTRALIA | OzHarvest and Woolworths have achieved a significant milestone, providing the equivalent of 100 million meals to Australians in need through their long-standing food rescue partnership.
The milestone is the result of a decade-long commitment between the supermarket and Australia’s leading food rescue organisation.
The partnership saw OzHarvest rescue quality edible surplus food from Woolworths supermarkets and distribution centres, helping to feed people across the country.
"Reaching 100 million meals with OzHarvest is incredible - it really shows what we can achieve when we work together with each of the local communities we serve. We know families are doing it tough right now with cost-of-living, so making sure good, fresh food gets to people who need it instead of going to waste is more important than ever,” said Amanda Bardwell, Woolworths Group CEO.
"Our local store teams make this happen every day, working alongside OzHarvest's amazing drivers and volunteers to get good food where it’s needed most. It’s a partnership that brings a little good to so many people, and we’re proud to keep this work going in the communities we serve."
OzHarvest teams collect fresh and nutritious food from more than 550 Woolworths supermarkets across every state and territory across the country every week. The donated food is then delivered directly to more than 1,500 charities that support those in need.
The milestone comes at a time when demand for food relief remains high, with many households across Australia facing ongoing challenges due to the cost-of-living pressures.
"One hundred million meals is a huge milestone, but what really moves me is knowing that each one of those meals has helped someone who really needed it. For ten incredible years, the Woolworths team hasn't just been a partner - they've been champions of our mission. From back dock and store managers who carefully set aside good food, through to logistics teams who make this happen every single day,” said OzHarvest Founder and CEO, Ronni Kahn AO.
"We could not do what we do without their support, and we need them more than ever as demand continues to rise. We rely on Woolworths to enable us to deliver fresh and nutritious food to those who need it most. The impact of this partnership has a ripple effect in communities across Australia – it’s more than just food; it starts conversations, offers care, compassion, and hope. I am forever grateful to every single person at Woolworths who makes this happen."
In addition to daily food donations, Woolworths and its customers support OzHarvest through initiatives such as the annual Christmas Appeal, which is now entering its 11th consecutive year.
Beyond the OzHarvest partnership, all Woolworths stores nationally are partnered with a local food rescue organisation to help support people in their communities.
