Seed funding provided by the Pratt Foundation and Lotterywest has allowed SecondBite to provide more than 17 million meals in the past three years to Western Australians who have experienced tough times.

SecondBite is one of the largest food rescue organisations in Australia. It works with growers, manufacturers and retailers to rescue surplus food and distribute it free of charge to more than 1,400 community organisations nationally. Donated fresh produce and pantry staples are then used to provide food relief hampers, pre-prepared meals and community pantries.

The seed funding provided by the Pratt Foundation and Lotterywest allowed SecondBite to set up its Perth operation and expand food relief support into regional WA. In the three years to June 2021 more than 8.57 million kgs of food was rescued and redistributed, providing the equivalent of more than 17 million meals to locals in need.

“A key Pratt Foundation mission is to enrich the lives of the community, so we’re proud to have contributed to SecondBite’s growth and impact in Western Australia. By preventing good food from going to landfill we’ve also prevented millions of kilos of harmful greenhouse gases from being emitted into the atmosphere.”

A Pratt Foundation Spokesman

Lotterywest General Manager of Grants and Community Development, Lorna Pritchard, said the organisation was committed to building and supporting grassroots and community initiatives.

“Lotterywest wants to leave a lasting and significant community impact across the state. Supporting SecondBite’s work ensures that Western Australians in need of food relief can access it, especially in regional and rural communities where food relief programs are often in short supply.”

Lorna Pritchard, Lotterywest General Manager of Grants and Community Development

SecondBite is the most cost-efficient food rescue organisation in Australia, something that its CEO Steve Clifford is rightfully proud of.

“For every $1 donated to SecondBite, we rescue and distribute enough food for five meals, at a cost of around 20 cents per meal. We distribute all rescued food free of charge to community organisations so they can help more people get back on their feet. With so many Australians facing hardship, particularly over the past two years of COVID uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to get as much food as possible to those who need it.”

Steve Clifford, SecondBite CEO

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