MEDIA RELEASE

 

Fill a Purple Plate with hope

For so many families across Western Australia, Christmas is not a source of joy, instead it carries the nagging worry of being able to put enough food on the table.

As the cost of living continues to escalate, Foodbank WA are seeing more and more people struggle to put food on the table. Before COVID we would assist about 200 households a day through our network. Some days this is now over 800. Nicole is one of those people, read about her story.

In October 2022 Foodbank released the Hunger Report which included shocking statistics that1 in 3 households experienced food insecurity in the last 12 months, meaning they were and are unsure of where their next meal will come from.1 in 5 households experienced severe food insecurity meaning that they often have to miss meals to make ends meet. Heartbreakingly, this figure includes 116,000 children.

Purple Plates for Christmas is our latest initiative to raise much-needed funds to fill the plates of families throughout the State and give hope to those struggling. Purple Plates represent the empty plates that are on too many Western Australian tables.

Foodbank WA CEO Kate O’Hara said, “Food for some is starting to be seen as a discretionary spend because rent, mortgage, utility bills are set costs that need to be paid. The car still needs to be filled. Food is where people can reduce their spend.”

That’s why we’re asking for help to fill the plates of families in need this Christmas with our Purple Plates for Christmas Appeal. Donations will help feed families over this festive season and especially on Christmas Day.

Kate O’Hara continued “Thankfully many of us will not know the hidden pain and stress of empty plates, especially at Christmas. The shocking reality is that this year, for 208,000households in the state, this is an everyday battle.

The need for food relief in Western Australia continues to grow. Last financial year we provided over 7.8 million meals to Western Australians who are going without. That is a staggering 1 million more than the previous year.

It’s not just the people on the streets but the people in our street, and sadly all indicators are pointing to an increase in demand for our services in the coming year.

We’re urging the community to dig deep and help us fill the plates for the most vulnerable Western Australians this Christmas. A full stomach is more than a just gift, it should be a right.”

Donate today online or by adding a purple plate to your order at these Perth restaurants
» Long Chim Tuck Shop (State Building, Perth)
» Shop 1875 (State Building, Perth)
» King Hotpot (Victoria Park)
» King Hotpot (Morley)

 

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Media and interview contact: 

Moira Aynsley | Marketing and Communications Manager | moira.aynsley@foodbankwa.org.au | 08 9463 3218 | 0433 567 224

 

About Foodbank WA

Hello, we’re Foodbank WA. We believe everyone should have access to good quality food. We’re here for the everyday Western Australians who are going without. And it’s our job to help change that.

We provide food and groceries to those who struggle to afford them. We also deliver nutrition education to promote healthy eating and advocate on behalf of people that experience hunger and food insecurity.

We are here to support Western Australians in times of need. We do this through

  • Providing 6.7 million meals last financial year to those who were doing it tough
  • Distributing food and groceries through 448 frontline charities
  • Providing breakfast and fruit to 492 schools feeding 21,000 children weekly
  • Delivering education programs for over 6,200 children, adults and parents

 

We work with farmers, wholesalers, manufactures and retailers who donate and redirect surplus product to us. This also plays a vital role in tackling food waste and positively contributes to climate change by reducing CO2 emissions arising from landfill.

Our vision is to end hunger in Western Australia by 2030. Our purpose is to Feed. Educate. Advocate.