Fonterra Helps Deliver Thousands of Meals to Victorians in Need
A group of Fonterra Oceania employees recently dedicated a day to supporting Foodbank Victoria in their mission to provide quality nutrition to those in need.
The team of eight packed over 425 hampers filled with produce and pantry staples, totalling more than 14,938 kilograms – the equivalent of 23,076 meals for families facing food insecurity.
Fonterra has been working with Foodbank for nearly 20 years. Last year alone, this partnership delivered 325,000 meals to people in need and contributed 250,000 litres of milk for Foodbank Australia’s National Milk Program.
Among the volunteers was Fonterra Oceania’s Associate Talent Acquisition Partner, Hannah Polglase. Hannah expressed how rewarding it was to take a break from her usual role and contribute in such a meaningful way.
“Right now, people are doing it tough. Aussie households are struggling with food insecurity and rising costs of living. Foodbank Victoria is feeding the equivalent of an MCG crowd every two days – sadly, that’s 100,000 Victorians doing it tough.
“We’re incredibly proud the partnership between Fonterra and Foodbank. It’s not just about the dairy products we donate but also the time we spend volunteering, she added.
A member of Foodbank Victoria’s Corporate Volunteers Team expressed gratitude for the Fonterra team who dedicated their time and effort.
“Thanks to the hard work of these eight individuals, people who often go without will now have a meal on the table. That’s incredible.
“I hope they left feeling truly inspired, knowing they worked tirelessly to provide thousands of meals to Victorians in need,” the spokesperson said.
"Foodbank Victoria is feeding the equivalent of an MCG crowd every two days – sadly, that’s 100,000 Victorians doing it tough."
Fonterra focusses its community support around areas where it knows it can have the greatest impact, and providing quality nutrition to those who need it the most is one of these areas.
In addition to the partnership with Foodbank Australia, Fonterra supports several breakfast programs and food relief agencies in the local communities where it operates.
In some of Tasmania’s most remote schools, students are getting a healthy breakfast and a chance to start the day on a full stomach, increasing their focus and appetite to learn.
With regular donations of Fonterra’s Duck River Butter, nineteen schools across northern Tasmania are serving up nutritious dairy at their daily breakfast club, an initiative aimed to assure students have access to a great start to their day – you can read more about this here.
Each year, Fonterra gives its Oceania-based employees a paid day of volunteer leave, which they can use with any charity they choose. More often than not, teams across the business use it as an opportunity to connect with the community and work together.
“I couldn’t think of a better way to spend this day than with the wonderful team at Foodbank Victoria, whose work is vital for so many Victorians right now,” Hannah concluded.
For those seeking assistance or wishing to contribute, visit Foodbank’s website here.
If you know of a community group or initiative in need of support, please get in contact at inourcommunityaustralia@fonterra.com.