How SecondBite is helping Australians in need this winter - Food Files

by Stefanie Jackson

Jun 23, 2022

With interest rates, energy prices and the cost of living on the rise, food relief is more important than ever.

It’s no understatement to say we’ve had a tough couple of years. Australians have been affected by a seemingly never-ending series of unprecedented events, from drought and bushfires, to floods and lockdowns.

Now, in addition to inflation and rising interest rates, we are seeing an increase in energy, petrol and food prices. Sadly, these economic impacts are leaving many families anxious about where their next meal will come from.

SecondBite is here to help. The Melbourne-based food rescue organisation originally began as a group of friends, who collected surplus food from market stalls to give to a local charity. With food waste also a major contributor to climate change, the importance of programs like these cannot be underestimated.

Food waste - making compost from leftovers. Source: istock

This year, SecondBite has teamed up with Coles, to ensure any unsold, edible food goes to those in need.

SecondBite CEO Steve Clifford said, “This year we’re hearing the same message from all our warehouse teams and agencies across the country, and that is – demand is huge, we need more food. I know of one agency in Melbourne which is reporting a 20 per cent increase in families needing food relief this winter, and that is not uncommon across the sector.

“This year’s winter appeal with Coles stores nationally is so important to help us get the funds we need to ensure no one gets turned away from receiving food relief. We can do that by providing consistent food deliveries to our agencies, and ensuring they have good quality vegetables and fruit, as well as pantry essentials to make nourishing meals for themselves and their families.”

To join in SecondBite’s winter initiative, shoppers can add a $2 donation card to their cart at any Coles store from today until Tuesday 5 July, or donate at any Liquorland, Vintage Cellars or First Choice Liquor store until Tuesday, 12 July. For every $2 donated, SecondBite can rescue 5kg of food, which provides ten meals for Aussies doing it tough.

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