How Foodbank is responding to coronavirus COVID-19

The NSW  and ACT Governments have introduced stay at home measures for all of NSW and the ACT in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

As Australia’s largest hunger relief charity, Foodbank and our charity partners are seeing an extraordinary increase in demand for emergency food relief.

Q: How can I or a family member get help from Foodbank?

If you or anyone you know needs food assistance please contact us through one of these methods. If you/they are an international student, please fill out this form for a student hamper and one of our team will get in touch with you. For everyone else who needs food assistance please email us, you can also call on (02) 9756 3099 but please note due to increased demand it will assist our team best if you email in with the suburb you need food assistance in so they can get back to you as quickly as possible.

Q: Can I still volunteer at Foodbank NSW & ACT during the current coronavirus COVID-19 situation?

A: Thanks for all the offers to volunteer, at this time we aren’t able to take any new volunteers as we want to minimise the amount of people coming into our warehouse. If you would like to be notified when we are able to welcome new volunteers, please complete the form here 👉foodbankna.org/volunteer

Q: How can I help Foodbank during coronavirus COVID-19 crisis?

A: With businesses closed and people without pay and no job keeper safety net – an alarming number of families and individuals will be struggling to put food on the table. Foodbank’s warehouse will remain open throughout this crisis to prepare emergency hampers filled with pantry staples to feed people who would otherwise go without food. But we can’t do it without you. For just $35 we can get a food hamper vulnerable Aussies in need 👉 foodbankna.org/covid2021

If you are wanting to hold a food drive it must be done in accordance with all public health orders.

Q: How is Foodbank NSW & ACT maintaining a safe work environment with coronavirus COVID-19?

Before entering Foodbank NSW & ACT everyone must complete a health screening and answer the following questions:

  • Have to been to any of the hotspots?
  • Are you waiting on a COVID-19 test result?
  • Have you had any close contact with:
    • someone with COVID-19
    • someone currently awaiting on a COVID test result
  • Do you feel unwell or are experiencing any symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat or shortness of breath?

While on site at Foodbank NSW & ACT everyone must:

  • Wear a mask at all times
  • Wash hands upon arrival and regularly during the day. Use sanitiser when available.
  • Cough or sneeze into tissue or elbow.
  • Keep minimum 1.5m apart

Q: Will coronavirus Covid-19 affect charities ability to provide food relief?

A: As Foodbank, and food relief, is an essential service we will remain open as normal for all deliveries and pickups, if you have any questions you can give the office a ring on (02) 9756 3099.

Remember to be mindful of our most vulnerable members of the community. Empty supermarket shelves impact us all – but it’s even harder on people already facing food insecurity. Please look after others, and take care of yourselves.

For further updates on what is happening keep an eye on our Facebook or Instagram pages.

For media enquiries please email media@foodbanknsw.org.au

Page last updated: 16th August 2021