More than 770,000 meals provided to Whyalla residents in need
11 November 2024
GFG Alliance and its Whyalla operations are proud contributors to a significant milestone for the Foodbank food relief organisation.
GFG was on hand at the South Australian Produce Market in Adelaide recently as Foodbank announced that more than two million kilograms of fresh fruit and vegetables had been distributed to those in need in South Australia and Northern Territory during the past year.
From that massive total, more than 385,000 kilograms of fresh fruit and vegetables was distributed to Whyalla to benefit more than 18,000 Whyalla residents, of which, one third were children. More than 770,000 free meals were given to Whyalla residents via 80 agencies, community groups and schools in the region.
Working directly with produce suppliers at the market, corporate sponsors like GFG Alliance and community organisations adds up to a direct benefit for those in need at Whyalla and throughout South Australia and Northern Territory
Foodbank SA CEO Greg Pattinson
With every kilogram of food valued at $23, the GFG Alliance and Foodbank partnership effectively provided a $8.85m boost to the Whyalla community.
GFG Alliance Group Manager Environment and Community, Chris Smyth said the GFG Whyalla operations were honoured to help deliver this result for the Whyalla community through its long-term support. Along with the corporate sponsorship for Foodbank and distribution charities in Whyalla, GFG staff also volunteer their time to pack Christmas hampers.
“While it is very regretful there is an increasing need for Foodbank’s services, we are proud to be doing our bit for our community through this sponsorship and hands-on help,” Chris said.
“770,000 is a staggering number of meals distributed in Whyalla every year which includes the Foodbank and GFG partnership providing breakfast and lunch for those children who need it in Whyalla schools every day.”
Foodbank paid tribute to the produce market, which has been providing its on-site distribution facilities, and its valued partners such as GFG Alliance (LIBERTY Primary Steel and SIMEC Mining) for achieving this amazing community contribution.
770,000 is a staggering number of meals distributed in Whyalla every year which includes the Foodbank and GFG partnership providing breakfast and lunch for those children who need it in Whyalla schools every day
GFG Alliance Group Manager Environment and Community, Chris Smyth
Foodbank SA CEO Greg Pattinson said the food provided to Whyalla was not only a financial relief for local families but also a boost to health and wellbeing.
“We have felt the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis, it is impacting so many individuals and families – many that have never experienced the welfare sector before are now turning to Foodbank for support,” Greg said.
“Combined with the environmental savings of food not going to waste, Foodbank’s assistance not only addresses people’s immediate nutrition needs but also contributes to improvements in their health, emotional wellbeing, sense of self-worth, social relationships and ultimately overall standard of living.
“Working directly with produce suppliers at the market, corporate sponsors like GFG Alliance and community organisations adds up to a direct benefit for those in need at Whyalla and throughout South Australia and Northern Territory.”
Growers and wholesalers at the South Australian Produce Market donate daily while farms and packing sheds located across the state’s horticulture regions send bulk supplies of produce into Foodbank’s warehouse located in the market. These fruit and vegetable donations are then distributed directly to those in need via Foodbank SA’s Food Hubs and a network of 700 welfare agencies, in addition to supporting more than 550 School Programs.
Main image: Foodbank CEO Greg Pattinson with GFG Alliance Group Manager Environment and Community, Chris Smyth at the milestone announcement. Above right: Chris Smyth (far right) and LPMA Communications Manager Jon Ortlieb (middle) help with a fruit packing demonstration at the milestone announcement.
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