Australia’s leading food rescue organisation, OzHarvest will reach a huge milestone in Western Australia this week, delivering their 30 millionth meal to Baldivis Secondary College with the help of WA’s Environment Minister, Hon. Reece Whitby MLA. With food relief at an all-time high, the team have been busier than ever making sure good food gets to those who need it most. 

OzHarvest’s latest Community Needs Survey reveals the cost-of-living crisis in Western Australia is impacting more people than ever and charities are struggling to cope with the ongoing demand. Figures across the region show:  

• 68% of charities have seen an increase in demand 

• 51% of charities need more food to meet demand  

• 31% of people are seeking support for the first time 

OzHarvest WA State Manager, Jennifer Keen explained that things have never been this tough. OzHarvest is currently rescuing an incredible 42,250 kgs of food every week and delivering this good food to 238 charities and schools across the Perth and Peel regions.” 

“The team works incredibly hard alongside our network of food donors and charities to make sure good food does not go to waste, but feeds people in need. It takes collaboration and commitment from the whole community and we’re so proud to be rescuing our milestone meal from Woolworths, who supply more than half of our rescued food in WA and delivering it to our friends at Baldivis Secondary College,” said Jennifer. 

Baldivis Secondary College Principal, Alison Parolo said, “We receive weekly deliveries from OzHarvest which is made up of fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, cold items including dairy and food hampers containing pantry staples which we distribute to families in need. In addition, we provide a hub for local school chaplains in the area to collect OzHarvest Nourishing Our School food supplies. 

Each week we seek to engage our whole school community through our breakfast program. The program is not only about providing a meal but an opportunity for teachers and students to connect outside the formality of the classroom each week. “ 

Ross Smith, Western Australia Fruit and Veg Operations Manager, said Woolworths is passionate about reducing food waste across our supermarkets are proud to be able to support OzHarvest on this huge milestone, “Every one of our stores across the country has a partnership with a local hunger relief organisation, passing on any food that can’t be sold but is still great to eat. In the last year alone, we’ve donated 327 tonnes of food to OzHarvest thanks to our store team members, whose efforts have diverted more than 85 per cent of our food waste in Western Australia to support local communities.” 

Right now, OzHarvest WA needs extra funding and volunteer assistance to grow and meet the increasing need of the community. To keep OzHarvest’s wheels turning and help feed vulnerable communities, donate now at ozharvest.org. For every $1 donated, OzHarvest can deliver two meals to people in need.  

CONTACTS:
Jennifer Keen | OzHarvest WA State Manager | 0473 440 884 | [email protected]
Jenny Lim | OzHarvest Media Manager | 0452 321 209 | [email protected]

Download full Media Release here.