Australia’s largest free food rescue organisation, SecondBite is helping feed communities across Australia and these legends have an extra set of hands this year.

Food writer and cravat enthusiast, Matt Preston has teamed up with the charity to help launch their winter appeal, with all funds raised helping to enable SecondBite to rescue unsold, edible food from growers, manufacturers and retailers to redistribute it free of charge to charity partners across Australia.

The winter appeal couldn’t be simpler to get involved in. From today, Wednesday, July 12 until Tuesday, July 25, Coles shoppers can purchase a $2 donation card at the checkout or by making a donation of their choice in store or online at the Coles website.

Donations will also be accepted at Liquorland, Vintage Cellars or First Choice Liquor Market stores until Tuesday, August 1.  

“I’ve been a SecondBite ambassador for over 10 years now but it’s always humbling to spend the day rescuing and delivering food to people in need,” said Preston in a statement. 

“Food is about more than satisfying hunger. It’s about social connections for not just clients but volunteers as well and many of SecondBite’s charity partners also provide housing, emotional and financial support.” 

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In the last year, Coles has donated a massive 17.7 million kilograms of unsold, edible food diverted from landfill. To put that in perspective, that’s 35 million meals that would otherwise be wasted. SecondBite is helping to close the circle between those doing it rough, and doing their bit for the planet.

In addition to the 200 million meals donated since 2011, a further two million kilograms of food – enough for four million meals – has been donated to SecondBite from Coles distribution centres, including bulk donations to meet increased demand during the pandemic.

Another way to show your support is by putting your money where your mouth is; 10 cents from the sale of every selected Coles Kitchen products like 300g soup or Coles Kitchen diced veggie medley 450g will go to SecondBite until Sunday, September 3.

For those who need support at this time, please visit secondbite.org/in-need-of-food for more information.

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