Metcash has signed as a national donor to Australia’s largest hunger relief organisation, Foodbank.
Metcash donated about 250,000 kg of food to Foodbank last year, primarily in Queensland.
"We are happy to now be signed up as a national donor to Foodbank after many years of food contributions via Metcash in most state capitals. We hope to support and build both our rural and metropolitan contributions further as we continue to grow together into the future," Andrew Reitzer, CEO of Metcash said.
By signing up as a national donor in all states, Metcash will be able to adopt a more strategic approach to developing and broadening its relationship with Foodbank. The new formal partnership will create the opportunity for Foodbank to be fully integrated into Metcash’s waste management and corporate social responsibility programs.
Foodbank has seen a 20 per cent rise in the number of welfare agencies seeking assistance in NSW over the last 12 months as the effects of global financial crisis continue to be felt.
“This signing means we now have commitments from all the major wholesalers and retailers in Australia to provide us with their non-saleable food. We look forward to working with Metcash to identify and redirect every possible kilo of food to help us reach our targets,” Enzo Allara, Foodbank chairman, said.