FMCG giants such as Arnott’s, Kellogg’s, PepsiCo and McCain Foods are stepping up to provide food relief to Australians during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Iconic biscuit brand Arnott’s will donate A$350,000 worth of products to food relief charity group, Foodbank, to support those in need. The move follows a donation of A$100,000 worth of products in the wake of the bushfire crisis.
Foodbank Australia’s chief executive, Brianna Casey, said they have seen a 50 per cent increase in demand for food relief earlier in April despite a decline in supplies by 27 per cent.
“The side-effects of the current coronavirus health crisis mean more Australians than ever are facing a struggle to make ends meet day-to-day. We are exceptionally grateful for Arnott’s long-term support over the past 10 years and know that this donation, in particular, will have a large impact in the lives of those that really need it,” Casey said.
Arnott’s also donated 752 food pouches to the local Government for the local communities its factories operate in. It donated individually wrapped Tim Tam biscuits to front-line workers such as teachers, aged care workers and healthcare workers.
“Arnott’s is incredibly proud to be in a position to support our communities and the everyday Aussies who have been impacted by the bushfires and Coronavirus. That includes frontline workers but also families and people who are doing it tough as we face the road to economic recovery ahead,” Arnott’s CEO George Zoghbi said.
Meanwhile, soft drinks giant PepsiCo’s foundation pledged A$480,000 to Foodbank Australia. Globally, the snacks company pledged US$45 million to those in need.
“Food is at the heart of what we do at PepsiCo. We have always been great admirers of the amazing work Foodbank Australia and the New Zealand Salvation Army Foodbank do within their local communities, and have been proud to be able to support them over the years,” said PepsiCo ANZ, CEO Danny Celoni.
PepsiCo Australia also donated A$100,000 worth of products such as Smith’s, Doritos, Sunbites and Red Rock Deli snacks and Gatorade and G-Active beverages, to frontline workers.
Frozen food company McCain Foods ANZ has donated 250,000 meals to food relief organisations Foodbank, Fareshare Victoria, Second Bite Australia, Empower Australia, Nourish for Nil, Salvation Army, 0800 Hungry and Oxford Community Trust.
“People have been stocking up with frozen foods in preparation for lockdown, and food relief organisations are no different, in that they also need a stable supply of frozen vegetables and meals as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic escalate,” McCain Foods regional president, Louis Wolthers, said.
“Given the scale of the need, we’re very pleased to have the opportunity to support these reputable charities, which provide such important support to our local communities.”
The donation includes frozen McCain ready meals and pizzas, as well as chips, vegetables and Sara Lee desserts.
“This certainly makes sense for us, and it’s something our people are proud of. McCain is hoping this donation will help to remind Australians and New Zealanders of the importance of staying connected. We’re in this together, after all.”
