Anti-waste drive makes task tougher for Foodbank

Foodbank Geraldton manager Jamie O’Brien says waste reduction policies have made donations from community groups and individuals even more critical to the food relief organisation.

Speaking after a $1000 donation was presented to Foodbank last week by the Northampton Lions Club, Mr O’Brien said, nationally, Foodbank had been receiving less.

“When major retailers buy less stock, they’re not wasting as much and there’s an impact on what is available to us,” Mr O’Brien said.

“They’re thinking, this is good, we’re not wasting as much, and we’re thinking, yeah ... great.”

To compensate for the shortfall in major supermarket donations, Mr O’Brien said Foodbank relied more heavily on local donors.

He said financial contributions similar to the Lions Club donation would also go a long way to keeping shelves stocked for struggling families in the Geraldton area.

“The Lions Club donate a sum to us every year,” Mr O’Brien said. “The money varies, but they always give.”

Foodbank is the country’s biggest hunger relief charity.

According to its research, 43,937 people in WA buy food from Foodbank each month.

Its research also shows that 10,181 people in WA can’t be assisted by charity and there has been a 20 per cent increase in the number of West Australians needing food relief.