Woolworths, OzHarvest partner over Christmas

Woolworths customers can share the spirit of Christmas by purchasing a special 50 cent token to help provide a meal for an Australian in need as part of the OzHarvest Christmas Appeal.

Woolworths’ National Fresh Food Rescue Partner, OzHarvest, supports more than 1,000 charitable agencies across the country helping to feed vulnerable Australians.

With the support of a regular supply of surplus fresh food from Woolworths stores across the country, and from other donors, and by purchasing one token as part of the Christmas appeal, OzHarvest can deliver a meal to someone who needs it most.

Recent research shows the demand for food relief has increased by 10 per cent, with more than 3.6 million Australians now experiencing food insecurity each year. Many charity agencies across the country say they could take double the food to meet demand.

OzHarvest Founder and CEO Ronni Kahn said, “For many families in Australia, Christmas will not mean a nourishing meal and an abundance of joy. Thanks to the Woolworths OzHarvest Christmas Appeal we can make sure good food gets to those in need over the festive season and throughout the year ahead.”

All customers need to do is add a 50 cent meal token donation to their shopping at Woolworths or online from now until 24 December, 2017. By placing their name on any tokens purchased and hanging them on the Christmas tree in store, they can show they’ve shared the spirit of Christmas. The more tokens purchased, the more meals OzHarvest can provide to help feed Australians in need.

Woolworths Supermarkets Managing Director, Claire Peters said, “Woolworths and OzHarvest share a common goal of towards zero food waste to landfill. Our partnership not only ensures excess fresh food is diverted to those in need, but also offers a platform for vital funds to be raised for the organisation.”

“We encourage our customers to help provide a meal for someone beyond their direct family and friends this festive season. Simply by donating 50 cents as part of the Woolworths OzHarvest Christmas Appeal, they’ll be supporting the growing need for hunger relief and together we can share the spirit of Christmas.”

The Woolworths OzHarvest Christmas Appeal hopes to raise $1 million for the food rescue organisation, which can help provide two million meals for families in need.  Last year, Woolworths customers raised over $750,000, enough for 1.5 million meals.

Woolworths has partnered with OzHarvest since 2015 to help reduce food waste by providing surplus fresh food from their supermarkets to Aussies who would otherwise go without.