A food insecurity crisis is gripping the country with one in five Australians, including working families, struggling to afford basic food needs. Find out how a mere $2 donation can make a huge impact.
by Scarlett Keddie via taste.com.au
Supporting those in need is easier than you’d think.
With crippling interest rates, and the general cost of living going up, it’s no secret that Australians are feeling the pinch. Add in a cold winter, and you’ve got a recipe for some fairly tough times. In fact, the need for food relief has never been greater, with food charities noting a 20-100% increase in demand from families.
This is where SecondBite comes in. From today until July 25, the charity, along with the support of Coles, are calling on shoppers to do their part this winter to offer support to those in need with their Winter Appeal (and it’s as simple as a gold coin donation).
What is SecondBite?
One of Australia’s leading food rescue organisations, SecondBite rescues unsold edible food from retailers like Coles, and delivers them to community food partners around the country to provide relief for those struggling with accessibility to food. So, as its name suggests, it literally gives Aussies a second bite!
Why should I help?
After one of the hardest economic times that we’ve seen in recent years, Australians are struggling to access food. Not only are groceries harder to afford, other cost of living pressures remain, whether it be rent, power bills, schooling and car expenses. And now that we’re well and truly in winter, the cold weather makes the situation much more difficult to tackle.
SecondBite ambassador, food writer and TV personality Matt Preston helped launch the appeal by assisting volunteers at Christ Church Community Centre stock their community food pantry with rescued food from Coles.
“I’ve been a SecondBite ambassador for over 10 years now but it’s always humbling to spend the day rescuing and delivering food to people in need,” he said.
“Food is about more than satisfying hunger. It’s about social connections for not just clients but volunteers as well and many of SecondBite’s charity partners also provide housing, emotional and financial support.”
“I hope shoppers can support the Coles SecondBite Winter Appeal if they are in a position to help, because every dollar raised is five meals provided to people in need.”
The SecondBite Winter Appeal: how you can help
Now is the time to show your support to Aussies in need. Simply make a $2 donation at the register of any Coles Liquor, First Choice Liquor or Vintage Cellars store between July 12 and July 25. Although $2 may not seem like a lot, even a donation this little will help SecondBite offer 10 meals to Aussies in need… YEP, 10! That means $20 will provide 100 meals.
SecondBite CEO Steve Clifford said: “This year we’re hearing the same message from all our warehouse teams and agencies across the country, and that is – demand is huge, we need more food.
“I know of one agency in Melbourne which is reporting a 20 per cent increase in families needing food relief this winter, and that is not uncommon across the sector.”
Alternatively, you can donate directly from the SecondBite site!
Author: Scarlett Keddie
Publication: Taste.com.au