FOODBANK SA & NT OPENS NEW FOODBANK DARWIN SITE TO HELP FOOD SECURITY IN THE TOP END

Foodbank has been serving the Darwin community working with agencies for more than 12 years with relief support. The new and relocated Foodbank Darwin operation is a commitment to working to end hunger in the region.

The Foodbank Darwin operation includes the establishment of a larger Foodbank Food Hub and Warehouse operation located in Yarrawonga to assist the growing number of individuals and families in the region who are struggling to put food on the table.

Foodbank opened the doors of the new operation to clients in mid-January with the official opening event held on 7 March 2024.

The Foodbank Darwin operation will enable Foodbank to distribute up to 300,000 kilograms of food relief in the region in the first 12 months of operation, equivalent to an additional 600,000 meals for families in need, and this will increase further in the second year.

The new Foodbank Darwin warehouse will provide better support for charities, agencies and communities in the area with their immediate and ongoing food relief requirements. With the rising cost of living putting additional pressure on already struggling families, the Foodbank Darwin Food Hub will allow low-income families a place to access items in a dignified way, including access to low-cost food and free fruit and vegetables.

The Food Hub enables community agencies to refer their clients who are in need of food relief, reducing the burden placed on agencies caused by the rising level of need. Importantly it will provide a dignified shopping experience for those experiencing food insecurity.

“The need for the new Foodbank Darwin operation including a dedicated Food Hub has been highlighted with the sheer increase of need in the area, we have seen a growth in the requirement for our services. This has been further highlighted by the request from both agencies and communities in the region” said Greg Pattinson, CEO, Foodbank South Australia & Northern Territory.

“The impact of food insecurity is diverse in Australia, ranging from children to older people, and statistics show that more than 3.7 million Australian households have experienced food insecurity in the last 12 months. We are already seeing over 100 referred clients, representing 100 families that would have otherwise gone without.”

“The Foodbank Food Hub is set up like a general store where those in need can have a dignified shopping experience and purchase items at a significantly reduced cost.

“We couldn’t do this without our supporters in the region, particularly support of the Federal and Territory Government with the Disaster Relief Fund, our corporate partners, donors, volunteers and small but mighty staff team.”

The Foodbank Darwin operation currently supports more than 40 agencies and community groups and provides supports to more than 30 School Programs (including School Breakfast Programs).

Foodbank Darwin are currently looking for volunteers to help in the Food Hub, you can register interest by visiting www.foodbank.org.au/

Foodbank could not do this without the support from our amazing supporters:

  • Federal Government – Disaster Relief Fund
  • Northern Territory Government – Department of Territory and Families
  • Inpex
  • A2 Milk
  • Coles
  • Woolworths
  • Metcash
  • Simon and George
  • Fx Fuel
  • Southern Cross Protection
  • FRM Refrigeration

 

The Foodbank Darwin Operation is located at 22 McKenzie Place, Yarrawonga.

To donate to Foodbank, please click here.

For individual volunteer opportunities (including Food Hub, Warehouse and Drivers), please click here.

For Corporate volunteering opportunities (including group bookings and hamper packing), please click here.

For media enquiries, please email sarahd@foodbanksa.org.au.