Arnott’s has pledged to donate $350,000 worth of their products to help combat food insecurity during COVID-19.
The donation will be made to food charity Foodbank Australia, who Arnott’s has supported for more than 10 years and who they have donated millions of kilograms of food to in support of vulnerable communities. The donation also follows more than $100,000 donated during the recent bush fire crisis.
Foodbank Australia has seen a surge in demand for their services since the outbreak of the global pandemic and the resulting government imposed restrictions.
Panic buying which peaked in March has also left the charity struggling to maintain food supplies, with stock at record lows. Foodbank Australia CEO Brianna Casey said they have seen a 50% jump in demand this month, but supplies were down 27%.
“The side-effects of the current coronavirus health crisis mean more Australians than ever are facing a struggle to make ends meet day-to-day. We are exceptionally grateful for Arnott’s long-term support over the past 10 years and know that this donation, in particular, will have a large impact in the lives of those that really need it,” Ms Casey said.
The donations will be distributed throughout New South Wales and Victoria, while 752 food pouches have also been distributed to local governments in the areas where Arnott’s bakeries and head offices are located, to help their immediate local communities, which will go to front line workers such as teachers, those in ages care and healthcare workers.