Published Sunday, 15 April, 2007 at 09:15 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure
The Honourable Anna Bligh
$1.5M TO HELP FOODBANK PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE
An innovative charity that each week feeds more than 40,000 Queenslanders in need will receive new State Government funding of $1.5 million over three years to boost their efforts, Premier Peter Beattie and Deputy Premier and Treasurer Anna Bligh said today.
Foodbank collects quality surplus food from growers, manufacturers and processors, which is then distributed by about 230 welfare agencies.
“Every day, growers and manufacturers end up with fresh fruit and vegies, dairy products and other food that is surplus to their usual markets, even though it’s of normal, supermarket quality,” Mr Beattie said.
“It is estimated that up to 20% of all food produced can’t be sold for a variety of reasons, such as mislabelling. This is perfectly good food that would have ended up at the dump. Foodbank distributes these goods to groups who then share it with families and individuals.
“Since 2004, Foodbank has virtually tripled the amount of food it has been able to get to people who need a hand. From warehouses in Brisbane and Townsville, it now distributes more than 4.6million kilos of food a year to people who otherwise could have gone hungry.
“They are able to get this food on to people’s tables through the generous support of front-line volunteers, transport and logistics companies and corporate Queensland.
“It’s an inspiring combination of compassion and hard work. As well as saving money and being a better outcome for the environment, companies involved saying helping out Foodbank is also great for staff morale.”
Ms Bligh thanked the 90 companies who donate food and groceries and urged other firms – and individuals -- to contribute.
“Despite being the largest hunger-relief agency in Australia, Foodbank pulls this amazing effort together with a tiny permanent staff, so volunteers of any age are always welcome,” she said.
“While the state economy is benefiting from population increase, there is also increasing demand on welfare services and meeting the needs of those not so well off.”
Foodbank will pick up and carry both CHEP and LOSCAM pallets, if companies require an exchange. It welcomes donations of fresh fruit and vegetables, frozen foods, grocery items and cash, and all donations over $2 are tax-deductible.
It operates with only five permanent staff and volunteers, or those who want to donate, can call 3395 8422 during business hours.
Ms Bligh said the latest State Government funding doubled its contribution to $500,000 a year. It is sourced from the Community Investment Fund and administered through the Department of Communities.
Media contact: Deputy Premier’s Office: Steve Keating 0408 720081
Foodbank collects quality surplus food from growers, manufacturers and processors, which is then distributed by about 230 welfare agencies.
“Every day, growers and manufacturers end up with fresh fruit and vegies, dairy products and other food that is surplus to their usual markets, even though it’s of normal, supermarket quality,” Mr Beattie said.
“It is estimated that up to 20% of all food produced can’t be sold for a variety of reasons, such as mislabelling. This is perfectly good food that would have ended up at the dump. Foodbank distributes these goods to groups who then share it with families and individuals.
“Since 2004, Foodbank has virtually tripled the amount of food it has been able to get to people who need a hand. From warehouses in Brisbane and Townsville, it now distributes more than 4.6million kilos of food a year to people who otherwise could have gone hungry.
“They are able to get this food on to people’s tables through the generous support of front-line volunteers, transport and logistics companies and corporate Queensland.
“It’s an inspiring combination of compassion and hard work. As well as saving money and being a better outcome for the environment, companies involved saying helping out Foodbank is also great for staff morale.”
Ms Bligh thanked the 90 companies who donate food and groceries and urged other firms – and individuals -- to contribute.
“Despite being the largest hunger-relief agency in Australia, Foodbank pulls this amazing effort together with a tiny permanent staff, so volunteers of any age are always welcome,” she said.
“While the state economy is benefiting from population increase, there is also increasing demand on welfare services and meeting the needs of those not so well off.”
Foodbank will pick up and carry both CHEP and LOSCAM pallets, if companies require an exchange. It welcomes donations of fresh fruit and vegetables, frozen foods, grocery items and cash, and all donations over $2 are tax-deductible.
It operates with only five permanent staff and volunteers, or those who want to donate, can call 3395 8422 during business hours.
Ms Bligh said the latest State Government funding doubled its contribution to $500,000 a year. It is sourced from the Community Investment Fund and administered through the Department of Communities.
Media contact: Deputy Premier’s Office: Steve Keating 0408 720081