Dolmio, Sodexo, and Foodbank once again joined forces on World Food Day (16 October) to cook meals for people experiencing food insecurity, with the Great Dolmio Cookoff resulting in over 7000 meals provided for those in need on the New South Wales Central Coast.
The 2024 Foodbank Hunger Report revealed 3.4 million Australian households are experiencing food insecurity, with 59 per cent of those households experiencing the most extreme level of hardship, regularly skipping meals or going entire days without food.
To help support those in need, Mars brand Dolmio converted its R&D kitchen at its Central Coast production facility into a meal-prepping hub. Over 100 volunteers from Dolmio, Sodexo, Foodbank, and Coast Shelter worked to prepare nutritious beef and vegetarian spaghetti bolognese meals.
Taking place from 14 to 17 October, the event coincided with World Food Day on 16 October – a global call to action against hunger.
Mars Food & Nutrition Australia general manager, Bill Heague, said that the Great Dolmio Cookoff is an important initiative.
“This year, we are thrilled to have cooked more than 7000 meals for people facing food insecurity in our local community,” said Heague.
“Spaghetti bolognese is one of Australia’s favourite meals. However, sadly we know from the Foodbank Hunger Report that there are many people out there who aren’t able to enjoy it.
“That’s why Dolmio – and our passionate Associates – are once again proud to have partnered with Sodexo and Foodbank to cook up meals to support people here on the Central Coast.”
Sustainable food, hospitality, and facilities management services company, Sodexo, provided operational support and supplied ingredients for the meals.
Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey, said the country is facing an unprecedented demand for food relief, and initiatives like the Great Dolmio Cookoff help to get food on the table for the many people doing it tough right now.
“The continued support from Mars Food & Nutrition Australia and Sodexo enables us to deliver meals where they are needed most, and the cooking of more than 7000 meals showcases their commitment to making a difference,” said Casey.
Mars also contributed to Foodbank’s Collaborative Supply Program for the fourth consecutive year, supplying Dolmio and MasterFoods products and ingredients to make more than three million meals to the food rescue agency.
