Nestlé Australia has partnered with leading food rescue organisation, OzHarvest, to promote nutrition education and provide 400,000 meals to struggling Australians over the next 12 months.
The partnership between the two organisations comes at a crucial time, as the number of people struggling to make ends meet continues to grow and the gap between the resources available widens.
According to Foodbank Australia’s Hunger Report, 32 per cent of Australian households are experiencing food insecurity. More than half (59 per cent) of those are experiencing the most extreme level of hardship, regularly skipping meals or going entire days without food.
Data from OzHarvest's recent Annual Community Needs survey indicates 50,000 people are unable to get food each month, a 54 per cent increase on the previous year.
Under the partnership, Nestlé will support OzHarvest to provide around 400,000 meals over the next 12 months, and to promote nutrition education as a tool for creating positive change.
The partnership also aims to raise awareness of reducing food waste, an issue that is increasingly facing Australia as organisations call for stronger policy and collaborative efforts.
Nestlé Australia CEO, Sandra Martinez, said the company believes in the power of food to change lives, and is proud to be working with an organisation that makes such a profound impact on the lives of so many Australians.
Source: Nestlé Australia
“Our partnership with OzHarvest is a natural extension of our own commitment to make a positive impact on local communities and the environment in which we live,” Martinez.
An additional element of the partnership includes volunteer opportunities for Nestlé employees, such as participating in a ‘Make Meal, Donate a Meal’ program, food rescue collection, Cooking for a Cause, and helping at the OzHarvest free markets, which provides rescued fresh produce and pantry staples for people in need.
OzHarvest Founder, Ronni Kahn, said when people join forces with purpose at the centre, that's when magic happens
“Our new partnership with Nestle is about shared values and a deep understanding that food has the extraordinary power to transform lives,” said Kahn.
“In these challenging times, more people than ever need our help, so we’re thrilled to welcome Nestle to the OzHarvest family to help us create lasting impact in communities across Australia. Together, we're nourishing communities, reducing waste, and proving that business can be a powerful force for good.”
