Foodbank

Just the other day I caught an ABC story on Foodbank. I'd heard of Foodbank before, but had no idea just what an amazing job they did. If you're wondering what Foodbank is, here's the blurb from their website:

Foodbank Queensland is a non-denominational community supported, non-profit organisation which relies on the support of a large network of dedicated people who have a commitment to fulfilling the aims and objectives of Foodbank Queensland.

The concept of Foodbank Queensland is simple - to feed the country's needy by redistributing surplus food.

Food growers, manufacturers and processors produce quantities of food which, for various commercial reasons, cannot be sold. The products may be incorrectly labelled, have faulty packaging, be part of a trial run or are not produced to exact specifications.

It is estimated that as much as 20% of all food produced is unsaleable for a variety of reasons.
Increasingly, welfare agencies are involved in an on-going struggle to provide food relief to thousands of people who are dependant on food handouts to supplement their welfare benefits.

Foodbank Queensland is the link between these two groups. Foodbank provides an outlet to food companies for their surplus stock and at the same time, allows community support agencies to save time and resources in the solicitation of nutritious food.

I was stunned to see just how much food is donated to Foodbank because it is apparently "unsaleable". Especially at the moment, with many people suffering financially, Foodbank is doing a tremendous job. You can watch the ABC Stateline story on Foodbank here.

If you're interested in helping out Foodbank, you can make a donation through their website.

Foodbank Queensland
179 Beverley Street
Colmslie 4170
P - 07 3395 8422
E - foodbank@westnet.com.au
W - http://www.foodbank.com.au/