Between now and Christmas they’re aiming to help raise the equivalent of seven million meals as food insecurity continues to grow across Australia.
They have set an ambitious fundraising goal of $3.5 million, which will fund those seven million meals.
Benalla Woolworths customers able to take part and support vulnerable Australians by simply rounding up their supermarket shop to the nearest dollar while in store, or by adding a 50 cent token to their basket between now and December 25.
Recent reports show that more than half of food insecure households had someone in paid work, while in a typical month 276,000 households in Victoria receive assistance from food relief organisations
OzHarvest delivers fresh and nutritious food to more than 1800 charities that help feed people who are affected by food insecurity.
Head of Community and Sponsorships Woolworths Supermarkets Sarah De La Mare said 61 per cent of the charities that received OzHarvest food had seen an increase in demand in the past six months.
“We know many Australians will do it tough this festive season after what has been another challenging year, and we are committed to helping feed those in Benalla who are in need through our long term partnership with OzHarvest,” Ms De La Mare said.
“Thanks to our annual financial commitment, donation of surplus food from stores and the generous support of our customers, OzHarvest has been able to deliver millions of meals to vulnerable Australians.
“This Christmas, a little change will go a long way as together we aim to help provide the equivalent of seven million meals to local communities in need across the country.”
OzHarvest Founder and chief executive officer Ronni Kahn said it was heart-breaking to know how many Australians were struggling.
“There are so many new people that need our help and the charities we support say over a third of their clients are seeking food relief for the first time, families with children are hit the hardest,” Mr Kahn said.
“The incredible level of generosity that comes from Benalla and their customers allows OzHarvest to go that extra mile, delivering more food to those who need it most.”
For more information on how to support the OzHarvest Christmas Appeal, visit www.woolworths.com.au/shop/discover/community/ozharvest
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