Foodbank sales break $1m barrier

Sydney
13 July 2003

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Foodbank sales break $1m barrier

By Chris Lindsay

Food sales for the St Vincent de Paul Society’s Foodbank service have risen to more than $1 million for the first time - in the 2002-2003 financial year - and so has the value of food donations.

Ray Swinfield, treasurer and acting president of Foodbank, said sales for last financial year exceeded $1.1 million and donations had reached the “magic million” mark.

“One of the reasons for this is that more and more charities are taking advantage of the service to access food to distribute to needy people in the community” he said.

“Some charities used to give food vouchers to people to use at local supermarkets, but this is an expensive way to go about meeting people’s needs, and some of the recipients find it embarrassing.

“Not everyone wants it known they are receiving assistance.”

Mr Swinfield said another factor in the increased sales of food to charities was the drought.

“Farmers have been doing it tough and there is a domino effect; when farmers don’t have money to spend this affects the towns and the shops in the area.

“People who were on the borderline of needing help now slip over that line. Individuals need help to tide them over.”

Mr Swinfield said the fact that food donations had passed the $1 million mark was probably due to two factors: more manufacturers of foods and household goods were aware of the work of Foodbank, and there was a greater need in the community.

“But we don’t ask why businesses donate; we are just grateful they do,” he said.

“A couple of weeks ago Windsor Farm donated 35,000 cans of food. They were unlabelled, but we had the code so we knew what they were.

“It was much better this food went to people who need it rather than go to waste.

“Huggies donate an enormous amount of nappies, Colgate gives us washing powder and other products and Sargents gives us pies. They are all very useful.

“Whatever we receive, we always send a certificate of appreciation, which the donors seem to value.”

The Vinnies Foodbank service provides food to registered charities in NSW and the ACT which is then distributed free to the needy.

Colgate-Palmolive, Hugg-ies, Sargents and Windsor Farm are not the only companies providing goods free or at heavy discounts.

Others include Kimberly-Clark, IGA Distribution, Sweet William Chocolates, Player’s Biscuits, Massel, Castlemaine Bacon, Deter-gents Galore, Fresh and Green, Arnott’s and Cadbury Schweppes.

Foodbank provides discounted items at cost to the charities; donated goods at 40 cents a kilogram.

The State Government provides free freight to distribution centres in country areas and the ACT.

The Foodbank program began buying direct from distributors and manufacturers in March 1996.

Mini-foodbanks have now been set up throughout the state to service the needs of the poor.

Many now have refrigeration and deep freeze units so the Foodbank centres can supply food hampers with a balanced variety of wholesome foods to families in need.

City and country schools and churches hold regular food drives to ensure additional support for local Foodbank storerooms.

A broadcast fax each week advises registered members of the goods that are available.

Contact can be made with the Foodbank program by ringing 9552 2834.