Scott’s Refrigerated Logistics (ScottsRL) has partnered with Foodbank Australia, a food and grocery relief organisation, to provide long haul temperature-controlled transport and storage across Australia.
In normal times, according to ScottsRL, Foodbank provides essential assistance to 815,000 Australians experiencing food insecurity every month.
“But these are not normal times and the charities that have been able to remain open during COVID-19 report that demand for food relief has been up 47 per cent on average since the pandemic started,” said ScottsRL.
“Foodbank is addressing this crisis by supplying more food and groceries than ever before to charities for distribution to vulnerable people.
“Foodbank restores hope to people who are struggling by rescuing and sourcing food and groceries from farmers, manufactures and retailers and distributing them through 2,400 front line charities around the country to provide to individuals and families in need. They also help children at school by providing breakfasts to 2,500 schools nationally.
“In 2020, Foodbank sourced 48.8 million kilograms of food and groceries via both donations from the food and grocery sector and the purchase of key staple items, thanks to funding from the Federal Government, corporate Australia and individuals. This record volume of food and groceries equated to 87.9 million meals – an increase of nearly 15 per cent on 2019, enabling Foodbank to generate a social return on its activities worth more than $1 billion.
“The positive impact is both short and longer term, addressing not only immediate hunger, but also contributing to peoples overall physical and mental wellbeing. This helps them to achieve greater resilience in their lives and the potential for a more positive future.
“In addition, Foodbank also peoples a vital role in tackling Australia’s $20 billion food waste problem. Foodbank’s work saved 92.7 million kilograms of CO2 emissions in 2020.”