Foodbank, Australia’s largest hunger relief organisation, has been recognised for its outstanding charity work at the Hort Connections 2019 National Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner in Melbourne.

The organisation won the E. E. Muir & Sons Community Stewardship Award which celebrates an individual or business that engages in local or national community initiatives to develop the wider industry.

Foodbank services over 2,600 charities in every state and territory to provide food to 710,000 people each month.

Through collaborations with the Australian food and grocery industry, it provides surplus and donated products to the charity network.

“Foodbank provides an avenue for growers to deal with over-supply, or those who want to help feed hungry families across Australia,” said AUSVEG CEO James Whiteside.

Truly worthy recipient

“At times there is over-supply in the Australian vegetable industry. To help overcome this issue, a number of leading vegetable producers team up with Foodbank to deliver fresh produce from paddock to plate to countless families across the country.

“Foodbank regularly engages with industry events to raise awareness of their role and has built strong relationships with a large number of growers and retailers. Their services not only assist those in need, but also provide growers with a noble option for second-grade or surplus produce.

“Foodbank provides a valuable service for the community and is a truly worthy recipient of this community stewardship award.”

Packaging industry support

The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) is an outstanding supporter of Foodbank.

AIP members have spent their Christmas Party every year for the last 8 years packing Foodbank hampers for people in need at Christmas.

Last year, more than 200 people packed 1400 Foodbank hampers for Foodbank – including 1000 family hampers and 300 ladies’ packs.

More than $120,000 worth of items were included in the hampers that were either donated, or bought with funds raised by the Association and the wider industry.

Over the last eight years, the team has packed 8000 hampers to the value of close to $900,000 for people in need.

They hope to pack even more hampers this year, including a Back-To-School Hamper with much-needed stationery items for young students. 

Your business can help

The AIP is inviting businesses to donate items to the hampers or to provide funds to assist with the purchase of items.

They are also seeking volunteers to assist on the packing day (December 6) in Brisbane.

This year, the AIP is hoping to reach the $1 million mark in donations for Foodbank.

Below is a video of the 2018 packing day.

Inside Robotics encourages readers to support this worthy cause.

If you would like to make a contribution contact the AIP on [email protected]