McCain Foods has pledged to donate a quarter of a million meals to food relief organisations across Australia and NZ to support communities through the COVID-19 crisis.
Food relief organisations have seen a recent surge in requests for help as the economic impact of the global pandemic begins to take a toll on families.
The donation will be shared between Foodbank, Fareshare Victoria, Second Bite Australia, Empower Australia, Nourish for Nil, the Salvation Army, 0800 Hungry and Oxford Community Trust.
Foodbank alone has reported a 50 per cent increase in demand for support for food and groceries from people who have lost their job or their small business has folded due to COVID-19 and the social distancing restrictions.
The donations have already began to be distributed and will continue over the coming months. McCain Foods regional president Louis Wolthers said he hoped it would ensure charities had access to product to help support vulnerable communities.
“People have been stocking up with frozen foods in preparation for lockdown, and food relief organisations are no different, in that they also need a stable supply of frozen vegetables and meals as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic escalate,” Mr.Wolthers said.
“Given the scale of the need, we’re very pleased to have the opportunity to support these reputable charities, which provide such important support to our local communities. Our donation includes frozen McCain ready meals and pizzas, as well as chips, vegetables and Sara Lee desserts to complement the meal. This certainly makes sense for us, and it’s something our people are proud of. McCain is hoping this donation will help to remind Australians and New Zealanders of the importance of staying connected. We’re in this together, after all.”