{"id":11828,"date":"2024-03-15T04:12:53","date_gmt":"2024-03-14T17:12:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.foodbank.org.au\/2024\/03\/15\/foodbank-queensland-faces-perfect-storm-as-demand-soars\/"},"modified":"2025-09-19T10:20:41","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T00:20:41","slug":"foodbank-queensland-faces-perfect-storm-as-demand-soars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.foodbank.org.au\/foodbank-queensland-faces-perfect-storm-as-demand-soars\/","title":{"rendered":"Foodbank Queensland Faces Perfect Storm as Demand Soars"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"section page-element\" data-pb-label=\"Section\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\" data-pb-label=\"Container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"column flex\" data-pb-label=\"Column\"><div class=\"w-full px-4 md:flex-1\"><h2><span class=\"TextRun SCXW105871863 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-AU\" xml_lang=\"EN-AU\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW105871863 BCX0\">Foodbank Queensland <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW105871863 BCX0\">Faces Perfect Storm as Demand Soars<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\t\t<section class=\"section page-element\" data-pb-label=\"Section\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\" data-pb-label=\"Container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"column flex\" data-pb-label=\"Column\"><div class=\"w-full px-4 md:flex-1\"><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Foodbank Queensland, the state\u2019s largest hunger relief charity, is facing a perfect storm as the demand for food assistance skyrockets, while food donations plummet. This is placing immense strain on the charities\u2019 ability to meet the needs of vulnerable communities across Queensland.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Rising cost-of-living expenses has led to a surge in the number of individuals and families seeking essential food relie<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">f. At the same time, Foodbank Queensland is grappling with a decline in food donations, which is impacting their ability to provide crucial support to those in need.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Farmers, who play a vital role in supplying excess stock to Foodbank Queensland, are dealing with their own financial pressures. As their costs escalate, farmers are finding themselves unable to contribute as much produce, impacting Foodbank Queensland\u2019s ability to provide this fresh, nutritious food to Queenslanders facing hunger.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cThe current situation presents a perfect storm for food insecurity in Queensland,\u201d says Jess Watkinson, Chief Executive Officer of Foodbank Queensland.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cLast week we lost the support of Cross Family Farms due to the rising cost-of-living challenges. A generous farming family who supplied more than 1 million kilograms of farm fresh food to Foodbank Queensland per year. We are experiencing a significant increase in the number of Members, schools and communities who require food reli<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ef. However, the decline in food donations, particularly fresh produce from our generous Queensland farmers, is hampering our efforts to address this growing crisis.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Almost half of the food donated to Foodbank Queensland is fresh fruit and vegetables from Queensland farmers. Last financial year, Foodbank Queensland rescued $37 million worth of fresh produce, which was provided to thousands of families in need at no cost.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Despite ongoing efforts to secure additional donations and support, Foodbank Queensland is struggling to provide enough food to the Members, schools and communities that rely on the essential food and grocery staples that Foodbank Queensland provides.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cWe urge individuals, business owners and community organisations to help at this critical time,\u201d says Jess.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cWith their support, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who are facing hunger. Every contribution, whether a donation to Foodbank to help us source more food or a donation of food direct to your local charity, has the power to alleviate hunger and help those in need.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Foodbank Queensland is committed to recognising their valued food donors and are supporting a National Food Donation Tax Incentive that would encourage more food donations.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cWe support a new tax incentive for food donations to encourage food producers, manufacturers and retailers to donate more stock. The current tax regulation treats donating as no different to dumping,\u201d says Jess.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cA National Food Donation Tax Incentive would support primary producers and other service providers who are committed to the reduction of food waste and to supporting Queensland households experiencing food insecurity.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Foodbank Queensland remains committed to providing essential food relief to communities across the state.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To support Queenslanders in need, please visit www.foodbank.org.au to donate directly, or, to find a local charity who accepts food donations by using the Foodbank \u201cFind Food\u201d map.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/section>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Foodbank Queensland Faces Perfect Storm as Demand Soars Foodbank Queensland, the state\u2019s largest hunger relief charity, is facing a perfect storm as the demand for food assistance skyrockets, while food donations plummet. This is placing immense strain on the charities\u2019 ability to meet the needs of vulnerable communities across Queensland.\u00a0 \u00a0 Rising cost-of-living expenses has [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":108,"featured_media":19621,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[235,242],"tags":[22,132],"class_list":["post-11828","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-media-releases","category-qld","tag-foodbank-queensland","tag-media-release"],"acf":[],"formatted_date":"March 15, 2024","raw_html":"<section class=\"section page-element\" data-pb-label=\"Section\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\" data-pb-label=\"Container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"column flex\" data-pb-label=\"Column\"><div class=\"w-full px-4 md:flex-1\"><h2><span class=\"TextRun SCXW105871863 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-AU\" xml_lang=\"EN-AU\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW105871863 BCX0\">Foodbank Queensland <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW105871863 BCX0\">Faces Perfect Storm as Demand Soars<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\t\t<section class=\"section page-element\" data-pb-label=\"Section\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\" data-pb-label=\"Container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"column flex\" data-pb-label=\"Column\"><div class=\"w-full px-4 md:flex-1\"><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Foodbank Queensland, the state\u2019s largest hunger relief charity, is facing a perfect storm as the demand for food assistance skyrockets, while food donations plummet. This is placing immense strain on the charities\u2019 ability to meet the needs of vulnerable communities across Queensland.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Rising cost-of-living expenses has led to a surge in the number of individuals and families seeking essential food relie<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">f. At the same time, Foodbank Queensland is grappling with a decline in food donations, which is impacting their ability to provide crucial support to those in need.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Farmers, who play a vital role in supplying excess stock to Foodbank Queensland, are dealing with their own financial pressures. As their costs escalate, farmers are finding themselves unable to contribute as much produce, impacting Foodbank Queensland\u2019s ability to provide this fresh, nutritious food to Queenslanders facing hunger.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cThe current situation presents a perfect storm for food insecurity in Queensland,\u201d says Jess Watkinson, Chief Executive Officer of Foodbank Queensland.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cLast week we lost the support of Cross Family Farms due to the rising cost-of-living challenges. A generous farming family who supplied more than 1 million kilograms of farm fresh food to Foodbank Queensland per year. We are experiencing a significant increase in the number of Members, schools and communities who require food reli<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ef. However, the decline in food donations, particularly fresh produce from our generous Queensland farmers, is hampering our efforts to address this growing crisis.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Almost half of the food donated to Foodbank Queensland is fresh fruit and vegetables from Queensland farmers. Last financial year, Foodbank Queensland rescued $37 million worth of fresh produce, which was provided to thousands of families in need at no cost.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Despite ongoing efforts to secure additional donations and support, Foodbank Queensland is struggling to provide enough food to the Members, schools and communities that rely on the essential food and grocery staples that Foodbank Queensland provides.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cWe urge individuals, business owners and community organisations to help at this critical time,\u201d says Jess.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cWith their support, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who are facing hunger. Every contribution, whether a donation to Foodbank to help us source more food or a donation of food direct to your local charity, has the power to alleviate hunger and help those in need.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Foodbank Queensland is committed to recognising their valued food donors and are supporting a National Food Donation Tax Incentive that would encourage more food donations.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cWe support a new tax incentive for food donations to encourage food producers, manufacturers and retailers to donate more stock. The current tax regulation treats donating as no different to dumping,\u201d says Jess.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cA National Food Donation Tax Incentive would support primary producers and other service providers who are committed to the reduction of food waste and to supporting Queensland households experiencing food insecurity.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Foodbank Queensland remains committed to providing essential food relief to communities across the state.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To support Queenslanders in need, please visit www.foodbank.org.au to donate directly, or, to find a local charity who accepts food donations by using the Foodbank \u201cFind Food\u201d map.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/section>","ACF":{"custom_facebook_pixel":"","disable_header":false,"disable_footer":false,"highlight_post":false},"featured_image_url":"https:\/\/www.foodbank.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/FBQ_Food-flat-lay_Foodbank-owned_2022.jpg","author_name":"ella.s@foodbankqld.org.au","spinnr_header":"default_spinnr_header","spinnr_mobile_menu":"default_spinnr_mobile_menu","spinnr_footer":"default_spinnr_footer","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.foodbank.org.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11828","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.foodbank.org.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.foodbank.org.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.foodbank.org.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/108"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.foodbank.org.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11828"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.foodbank.org.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11828\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15578,"href":"https:\/\/www.foodbank.org.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11828\/revisions\/15578"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.foodbank.org.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19621"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.foodbank.org.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11828"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.foodbank.org.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11828"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.foodbank.org.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11828"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}