Demand for food assistance in Western Australia has increased significantly over the past 12 months, with one in five people in the state now experiencing food insecurity.

Due to this rise in demand, essential supplies are now at an all-time low and Foodbank WA CEO Greg Hebble is asking for both food and financial donations to support the community.

Of the 3.3 million kilograms of food distributed by Foodbank WA last financial year, 88% of the food was donated by the food and grocery industry and the public.

Foodbank WA is also seeking financial support from the state government and local businesses to fund the gap and better meet the demand for emergency food assistance statewide.

“We have recently experienced an increased demand for key staple items, including long-life products such as UHT milk, pasta, rice and canned products which are in short supply. ”

says Greg Hebble, CEO, Foodbank WA.

“Sourcing enough food remains a challenge for us and while we are continuing to work with our food and grocery industry partners, donations have slowed. We really need funds to purchase food more than ever.”

“As a community, it’s vital we come together to support each other. The donations from the food and grocery industry and the public are fantastic, however, we need state government and local businesses to step up to the plate, too,” says Mr Hebble.