How to support food banks in Australia
You may be forgiven for thinking that having enough food on the table is a given for Australians but, unfortunately, this simply isn’t the case. It’s estimated that 3.7 million households have run out of food in the last year, which has largely been driven by the effects of droughts, floods, fires, and the rising cost of living.
As the demand for food relief continues to soar, the importance of fundraising to support nonprofits that run food banks in Australia has never been greater.
In this article, we explore how to support food banks, from monetary donations to volunteering, so you can help to make a difference in the lives of millions of vulnerable Aussies.
What are food banks and why do they need help?
Food banks provide emergency food to people in crisis. The cost of living, extreme weather conditions, health reasons, and several other factors all contribute to food hunger in Australia. Every day, thousands of people across the country go hungry for many reasons, which makes them reliant on the services that food banks provide.
Fortunately, food banks are able to offer a lifeline to those in need, and the nonprofits that operate them do an incredible job of supporting vulnerable people. Not only do food banks provide life-saving food supplies, but they also help to prevent crime, housing loss, family breakdown, and mental health problems.
However, in order to fulfil its valuable role within the community, a food bank relies on the kindness of donors and volunteers to support it. This means being involved in the process of receiving non-perishable, in-date food that’s donated by the public before being distributed to those in need, getting food supplies to worthy recipients while redistributing surplus food and reducing waste.
Now more than ever food banks are looking for support in Australia, with Foodbank Australia indicating they need 50% more food to provide enough for all the people seeking assistance. This is why food bank donations and voluntary support are so important.
How many people use food banks?
Everyone should have access to good quality food in Australia, but sadly this isn’t the reality. Foodbank Australia currently provides food relief to 2,844 frontline charities and 3,379 school breakfast programs, and last year they sourced enough food for 92 million meals.
The fact that this represents only half of those who need food in Australia shows just how bad the current situation is and shines a light on the task that lies ahead for food bank organisations.
As food insecurity is a big problem, food bank nonprofits rely on the generosity of individuals, businesses, community organisations, schools, and all levels of government for support.
Three Australian food bank organisations
However, not all hope is lost in tackling food shortages in Australia and ensuring everyone has enough grub to feed themselves and their families. Fortunately, there are several food bank organisations leading the way in the fight against hunger.
Here, we take a look at some of the nonprofits helping to make a difference.
Foodbank
Foodbank is the largest hunger relief charity in Australia. As the self-proclaimed food pantry to the charity sector, they link surplus food and groceries to people in need, ensuring all Aussies have access to good food no matter their situation.
They work with farmers and growers, manufacturers and suppliers, wholesalers and retailers, charity partners, schools, and transport services to provide food to individuals, charities, and students across the country.
For every kilogram of food distributed by the organisation, the social return on investment is valued at $23. This means the impact of their work in the community is worth almost $1 billion annually.
Second Bite
SecondBite is a food charity and rescue organisation committed to rescuing surplus food for Australian charities, community groups, and food banks across the country. In 2023, they rescued 25.2 million kilograms of food to provide more than 50 million meals. This means that for every dollar donated, they were able to distribute enough food for up to five meals.
By ensuring that good food destined for landfills reaches people facing hunger and food insecurity, they’re able to address critical social, environmental, and economic challenges.
Their founders, Ian and Simone Carson, believe all Australians should have access to healthy food no matter where they live or what their circumstances are.
Oz Harvest
Founded by Ronni Kahn in 2004, OzHarvest has quickly grown to become one of Australia’s leading food rescue organisations. They save surplus food from ending up in landfill and deliver it to charities that help feed people in need. They are committed to their aim of halving food waste by 2030, inspiring and influencing others along the way through education.
OzHarvest collects good quality surplus food from their 2,610-strong network of donors, including supermarkets, cafes, hotels, restaurants, and more. This is then delivered to over 1,500 charities across Australia.
Since its humble beginnings, the organisation has gone on to provide 250 million meals to vulnerable people around the country.
Ways to support food banks
Are you keen to make a difference and support a worthy cause? There are many ways you can help, whether that’s financially or by donating food to a charity of your choice.
Here, we look at the best options available to you, so you can help address food insecurity in Australia.
Food donations
One method of dealing directly with food banks is food donations. All kinds of food and groceries are accepted, but if you want to play it safe then you can’t go wrong with non-perishable, in-date food. Personal hygiene and household items are also sometimes welcomed.
In general, here are some of the foodstuffs that are needed:
- Bottled water
- Tinned food and meals
- Noodles, pasta, and rice
- Long life milk
- Muesli bars and snacks
- Deodorant, soap, and body wash
- Shampoo, conditioner, and sanitary items
- Baby wipes and nappies
- Baby food and formula
- Dishwashing liquid and detergent
- Pet food
Monetary donations
Most food banks will also accept monetary donations that go towards providing meals. For example, Foodbank Australia creates two meals for every $1 that’s donated. Any money you generously donate is used to help provide pantry essentials, fresh fruit and vegetables, and nutritious meals for hungry families.
If you want to help but don’t necessarily have the time for the other options we’ve listed, then this is your best choice.
Volunteering
As is the case with all charitable organisations, food banks wouldn’t be able to operate without the help of volunteers.
By volunteering, you can expect to help out in the following ways:
- Packing orders of food and grocery items
- Delivering hampers to those in need
- Distributing fresh food at pop-up markets
- Assisting with important office duties and admin
- Educating people about food banks and the benefits of donating
Without volunteers, those in need will go hungry, so this is a great way of playing an integral role in feeding vulnerable people.
Fundraising
Finally, one of the best ways to support food banks is to fundraise. By creating a fundraiser with GoFundMe, you can smash your fundraising goals and make an incredible contribution to a food bank organisation of your choice.
It’s completely free to set up a fundraiser using GoFundMe, so you can start raising money and spreading awareness about food banks in just a few clicks. Not only is it easy to get started, but it’s also a secure and safe way to raise vital funds for vulnerable, hungry Australians.
Check out our top fundraising tips to ensure your fundraiser is a success!
How the GoFundMe community is supporting food banks
Don’t just take our word for it, thousands of Aussies use GoFundMe to raise money for worthy causes, including food banks. Our popular and effective platform allows you to expand the reach of your fundraiser and accept donations of all sizes.
Here are just a few examples of when GoFundMe has played a pivotal role in fundraising for those in need.
Kids collective fundraiser Aust. Bush Fire Relief
A kids’ collective fundraiser was created using GoFundMe to raise money for the Australian bushfire relief fund, with donations going to Foodbank Australia, Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund, and Wildcare Victoria.
Members of the public were encouraged to either directly donate or create a fundraising stand/stall in their hometown and make a donation to the amount they raised. $4,355 was raised, surpassing the initial $2,000 goal.
Laudate in the Lounge
Laudate in the Lounge – Foodbank Australia’s charity partner – started a fundraiser to help support the excellent work being done by Foodbank during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing emergency food and essentials to a huge number of Victorians.
In total, $16,046 was raised to help Foodbank Australia get food and essential supplies to people most in need and those required to self-isolate due to COVID-19.
Richo’s Christmas Foodbank Appeal
In 2022, Richard started a GoFundMe page to help Aussies struggling to put food on the table around Christmas time. This was particularly needed that year due to the impact of COVID-19, inflation, and rising interest rates.
All of the $2,454 he raised went to Foodbank Australia, a cause that’s close to his heart. This meant that fewer people and their families went hungry at Christmas.
Start a fundraiser in support of food banks
Nobody in Australia should go hungry. If supporting a food bank resonates with you, then why not start a fundraiser with GoFundMe today and make a valuable difference to those in need?
If you want to maximise the amount of money you raise and ensure it all goes to a worthy cause close to your heart, then we’ve got you covered. We’re here to guide you every step of the way in your fundraising journey.