{"id":22506,"date":"2025-10-16T13:29:02","date_gmt":"2025-10-16T02:29:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.foodbank.org.au\/?p=22506"},"modified":"2025-10-16T14:58:59","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T03:58:59","slug":"lotterywest-donation-boosts-foodbank-was-fresh-food-distribution-capacity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.foodbank.org.au\/lotterywest-donation-boosts-foodbank-was-fresh-food-distribution-capacity\/","title":{"rendered":"Lotterywest donation boosts Foodbank WA\u2019s fresh food distribution capacity"},"content":{"rendered":"

Media Alert <\/h2>

Immediate Release<\/span> <\/h4>

Interview Opportunities:<\/span><\/b> Foodbank WA CEO, Kate O\u2019Hara <\/p>

Lotterywest donation boosts Foodbank WA\u2019s fresh food distribution capacity <\/h2>

Foodbank WA is proud to announce a generous contribution of over $500,000 from major supporter Lotterywest, enabling the purchase of two new vehicles. This vital investment will significantly enhance Foodbank WA\u2019s ability to collect surplus fresh produce from local growers, helping to improve the nutritional wellbeing of Western Australians facing food insecurity. <\/p>

The 2024 Foodbank Hunger Report revealed that 370,000 households in Western Australia experienced hunger last year. The ongoing cost-of-living pressures and housing crisis are pushing more families, individuals, and children into hardship, with many unable to access affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food. <\/p>

In response to this growing need, Foodbank WA launched a new initiative in August 2024, offering free fruit and vegetables to all customers across its six branches and 50 Mobile Foodbank locations. This shift to a free fresh produce model was expected to increase demand by more than 20% over two years – a trend that is already being realised. <\/p>

Thanks to Lotterywest\u2019s support, Foodbank WA will be able to increase capacity to collect and distribute more fresh fruit and vegetables to meet this rising demand. <\/p>

\u201cOver the past year, we\u2019ve distributed 765,000 kilograms of fruit and vegetables to customers, charity partners, and schools – representing 14% of our total food distribution,\u201d said Foodbank WA CEO Kate O\u2019Hara. \u201cWith our expanded supply chain and the transition to a free fresh produce model, we anticipate needing to distribute an additional 155,000 kilograms over the next two years – an increase of 20%.\u201d <\/p>

The two new vehicles represent a major upgrade to Foodbank WA\u2019s transport fleet. They are expected to support the collection of an additional 80 to 110 tonnes of fresh produce from key growing regions in the Perth metropolitan area (Gingin) and the South West (Bunbury) to support Foodbank\u2019s food relief services for vulnerable communities across the state. <\/p>

This expansion will deliver significant cost-of-living relief to households, particularly in regional WA, where food insecurity is more prevalent. A WA Food Relief Framework Report exposed that regional residents are one-third more likely to experience food insecurity than those in metropolitan Perth, with the cost of a basic food basket up to 26% higher in remote areas. <\/p>

\u201cOur free fruit and vegetables model is a game changer for some of WA\u2019s most vulnerable people,\u201d <\/p>

Ms O\u2019Hara added. \u201cWith this support of Lotterywest, even more families will now be able to access the fresh produce they need to thrive.\u201d <\/p>

Lotterywest CEO Colin Smith said \u201cLotterywest is proud to provide a grant of more than $542,000 to Foodbank WA to help with the distribution of fresh fruit and vegetables to Western Australian individuals and families from all walks of life.\u201d <\/p>

\u201cThis is another example of Lotterywest\u2019s continued commitment to supporting organisations, like Foodbank WA, to help those who need it most in our community.\u201d <\/p>

Food assistance is available to anyone struggling to access or afford food. Call the Emergency Relief & Food Assistance Hotline on 1800 979 777, Monday to Friday, 9.00am \u2013 5.00pm.

<\/p>

Foodbank WA Media contact:
<\/b>Moira Aynsley | Head of Strategy, Brand and Technology
<\/span>moira.aynsley@foodbankwa.org.au | 08 9463 3218 | 0433 567 224

<\/span> <\/p>

Lotterywest Media contact:
<\/b>Lotterywest Public Relations
<\/span>Email:\u202fpublicrelations@lotterywest.wa.gov.au | Phone: 0438 996 884<\/span> <\/p>


<\/span> <\/p>

About Foodbank WA<\/b><\/span> <\/p>

Hello, we\u2019re Foodbank WA. We believe everyone should have access to healthy food. There are Western Australians going without every day, and we are working hard to change that. <\/p>

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. <\/p>

We are here to support Western Australians in times of need. We do this through: <\/p>

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