Victorian bushfires: Food industry call to action

  • February 9, 2009
  • Daniel Palmer

Food relief organisation Foodbank is urgently calling for assistance from the food industry in response to the tragic bushfires seen throughout country Victoria over the weekend.

The bushfires, which have already caused the loss of more than 100 lives and seen entire towns completely destroyed, have left thousands with limited access to food. VicRelief Foodbank is working with a number of welfare agencies to help get food to those in need.

At the moment, due to a lack of access to kitchens, the most desperate need is for non-perishable foods. Foods and beverages such as cereal, cereal bars, energy bars, Long-life UHT white milk, and any canned meals and ready-to-eat products – such as baked beans and canned fish and fruit. Toiletries, e.g. toilet rolls and tissues, are also required.

Leading business representative, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has asked businesses to do whatever they can to help those affected by the shocking events. “My message to the business community of Australia is that today is not, cannot be and should not be business as usual,” Chief Executive Peter Anderson advised. “We … say to the business community of Australia right around the country from the north to the southern coasts, from the east to the west coasts, to dig deep, to be charitable with your time and money.”

To find out how you can help please contact Mike Cannon from VicRelief Foodbank via email: mikec@vrfb.com.au or telephone: (03) 9362 8300; 0417 343 574.

Australian Food News will pay tribute in coming weeks to all food companies that support this worthy cause.

Financial donations can be made to the Victorian Bushfire Fund by calling 1800 811 700 or visiting www.redcross.org.au/vic/services_emergencyservices_victorian-bushfires-appeal-2009.htm.


Bookmarks

  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Furl
  • Netvouz
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • Fark
  • Propeller
  • Slashdot
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati

Reader Comments

Australian Food News reserves the right to edit or not publish comments of a potentially offensive or defamatory nature. Comments will not be published if name and email address has not been provided (name and email will be withheld if requested).

The opinions expressed below are those of Australian Food News readers and do not necessarily reflect those of Australian Food News.