The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) has been a long-standing supporter of Foodbank, a not for profit organisation that helps fight food waste across Australia.

For the past seven years, the AIP has assisted Foodbank pack hampers for people who need assistance from their community at Christmas time.

Last year, more than 150 people packed 1100 hampers for Foodbank to provide to those in need during the holiday season. The hampers included 800 family hampers and 300 ladies packs.

Those hampers contained $73,000 worth of items that were either donated, or from funds raised. 

Over the last seven years, the team has packed 6500 hampers to the value of close to $730,000 for people in need and they look forward to packing more hampers this year.

The AIP is again inviting companies, community groups and individuals to donate items or funds to the hampers, funds or attend and participate in the Christmas Hamper program at Eagle Farm Racetrack on December 7.

New program in Victoria

And for the first time, AIP has joined forces with Foodbank Victoria in the launch of a new Warehouse Volunteering Program.

They are inviting individuals and their families as well as company staff and colleagues to take part in this new initiative.

Volunteers can visit the Yarraville Warehouse in Melbourne and help pick and pack on-line orders and mixed grocery boxes. The day will start with a formal introduction on how Foodbank Victoria works and information on their charity partners.

The on-line orders have been placed by many of the 470 charity partners who look after the thousands of Victorians currently experiencing food insecurity.

Mixed groceries items are donated by school students, community groups, clubs and corporate organisations who run food drives to provide the ingredients for the food boxes.

Their charity partners can order these boxes which they then pass on to those families or individuals who need that extra help with grocery items.  Each volunteer would have the opportunity to work in both areas. Shifts would ideally be for four to five hours.

To get involved in the AIP Warehouse Volunteering Program click here http://aipack.com.au/wp-content/uploads/AIP_VIC_Foodbank_volunteering_flyer.pdf 

Or to get involved in the Christmas Hamper program click here http://aipack.com.au/wp-content/uploads/AIP_QLD_Foodbank_volunteering_flyer.pdf