By Claire Matthews
Share the Christmas spirit and support those in need this year through Brisbane City Council’s annual Christmas Goodwill Food Drive, in partnership with Foodbank.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Foodbank has experienced a higher demand for food relief over this year, due to the pandemic.
“Foodbank has experienced record demand over the past year, with one-third of Queenslanders in need of food relief having never experienced hunger before the pandemic.
“Last Christmas a record 48,000 cans of food, equating to 21 tonnes, were donated which helped Foodbank provide almost 39,000 meals to people in need across Brisbane.
“This year I’m calling on Brisbane residents to dig deep and work together and smash last year’s record and help put a meal on the table of those doing it tough these Christmas holidays.”
Foodbank Queensland CEO Sara Harrup said they are relying more on community support and donations now, because of COVID.
“Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we are seeing the highest demand for food relief in our 25-year history, with one-third of hungry Queenslanders having never experienced hunger before the pandemic,” Ms Harrup said.
“This year, we’re asking the community for donations of rice, pasta, baked beans and canned spaghetti, as these food types are the most versatile staples that are also very useful for people experiencing hunger.
“Each year, Foodbank Queensland rescues and sources more than 14 million kilograms of food and groceries from farmers, manufacturers and retailers that are distributed through a network of 250 Queensland charities to feed more than 200,000 people in crisis each month.”
Residents can make donations at their local library. Overdue library fees have been waived as an incentive, but they would still like books returned.
To make a food donation, visit your local library between 1 to 31 December 2020. For library locations, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au.