Foodbank’s in each state and territory have been working around the clock to ensure food and groceries continue to get to where they are needed the most.

9th September 2021

Over the past four months we have truly felt the impact of Delta. South Australia, Northern Territory and parts of Queensland were thrust into snap lockdowns, while ACT, Victoria and NSW continue to experience extended lockdowns with harsh restrictions.

Foodbank NSW & ACT reported an increase of more than 200% in the demand for food relief. They have received more than 20,000 requests for food hampers from international students since 6th July and more than 41,000 emergency relief hampers have been delivered throughout the state in the past 8-9 weeks thanks to the Resilience NSW, NSW police force, and help from NSW State Emergency Service and Australian Defence Force who stepped up to pack hampers at the warehouse.

Meanwhile in Victoria’s sixth lockdown, the team continue to work with the Australian Red Cross to distribute emergency relief hampers. Up until recently, Foodbank Victoria opened their warehouse doors on several occasions to offer a Covid-safe, drive-thru hamper collection. Unfortunately, during the last drive-thru on August 20th it was shut down by police 90 minutes into operations, due to overwhelming demand. The traffic queuing to enter the warehouse was banked up to the point it became a public safety issue. Despite 520 cars through and 1482 hampers distributed, there were nearly 1,000 cars turned away, signally the demand for food relief is only growing. The team are seeing the same demand its International Student Pop Up Store which is experiencing a 42% increase in students accessing the free food relief pop up in Melbourne.

Foodbank Australia is so grateful to all our supporters – our national donors and partners who stepped up and continue to offer support to ensure every community has access to emergency food relief now, and for as long as it is needed.