Foodbank releases ‘Most Wanted’ list for Christmas giving

Christmas can be a tough time for many Australians, particularly those in our communities struggling to put a meal on the table, or trying to fill hungry bellies these school holidays. More than one in five Australians have experienced food poverty in the past 12 months – that is, they have run out of food and are unable to buy more. These are everyday Australians who have fallen on tough times, whether it be related to drought or natural disasters, job loss, rental or housing unaffordability, unexpected expense or a serious medical condition.

Foodbank Australia is working hard right across the country to ensure families and individuals can put a meal on the table – not only on Christmas day – but for as long as it takes to get them back on their feet. This means sourcing and distributing massive volumes of food and groceries.

At this time of year Foodbank relies on donations of wonderful fresh produce from farmers right across Australia; a mix of products from the Australian food and grocery manufacturing sector and retailers; food donated from food drives held by preschools, schools, community groups and corporate Australia; and financial donations through fundraising appeals. With both drought and bushfires affecting so much of Australia right now, the need for donations has never been higher.

Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey, said, “It’s an absolute joy to see so many people holding food drives to ensure Foodbank can get more food and grocery items to vulnerable families this Christmas. However, we strongly encourage people to consult our ‘most wanted’ list before embarking on food drives to ensure they are focusing on the food and grocery items in strongest demand.”

Foodbank’s most wanted items this Christmas include everyday non-perishable items like breakfast cereal, pasta, noodles, rice, tea and coffee, canned fruit, vegetables, pulses, long-life milk, baked beans, tinned spaghetti, personal hygiene products, spreads like vegemite and honey. Christmas treats like Christmas cake or pudding, UHT custard or shortbread also make the world of difference during the holiday season.

“It’s times like this that we see Australians at their absolute best, supporting the most vulnerable in our communities through their generosity and kindness”.

Foodbank’s ‘Most Wanted’ Items

  • Breakfast cereal such as Weet-Bix and Cornflakes
  • Pasta, noodles and rice
  • Tea and coffee
  • Long life milk
  • Canned fruit, vegetables and tuna
  • Baked beans and spaghetti
  • Spreads like jam, peanut butter and Vegemite
  • Shelf stable meals, eg meals that can be stored at room temperature in a sealed container
  • Personal hygiene products such as shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and toilet paper