The response from food companies to the appeal for supplies in the wake of Victoria’s tragic bushfires has been remarkable, according to VicRelief Foodbank – which has begun preparing long-term food aid for those affected by the disaster. “Thank you so much, the response to the bushfires from generous companies, large and small, has been unbelievable,” Mike Cannon, from VicRelief Foodbank told Australian Food News. “We have gratefully accepted actual delivery of more... ...Read more »

IGA’s ongoing Community Chest program will provide $1.5 million dollars in food vouchers to assist in the Victoria Bushfire Disaster Relief efforts. The 1270 IGA stores nationwide, as well as Metcash (IGA retailers primary supplier), will collectively provide the vouchers via IGA’s Community Chest program to the Salvation Army. A further $100,000 has been donated by Ritchies Community Benefits Program. “Every IGA across Australia is an active part of the local community and as a... ...Read more »

Coles customers arrived in droves to support Friday’s fundraising event, when all of the day’s profits were destined to help those affected by Victoria’s devastating bushfires. Coles, BiLo and Coles Online stores nationally donated all profits made on Friday, with a total of $4,870,889 raised for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund. When added to its existing $260,000 of food and grocery relief, Coles’ total donation – with the help of their customers – to the bushfire... ...Read more »

VicRelief Foodbank, Victoria’s largest independent emergency relief resource centre, in partnership with some of Australia’s largest food manufacturers, has begun the task of preparing long-term aid support for local communities severely damaged by the disastrous Victorian bushfires. Announcing the establishment of its Victorian Bushfire Recovery Program, Philip Hunt, CEO, of VicRelief Foodbank, said that this was a disaster of such historical and significant proportion that it was vital... ...Read more »

Severe heat and the devastating fires in southern parts of Australia and flood waters in the north have had a significant impact on the supply of fresh food to supermarkets, Australia’s largest supermarket operator has advised. Woolworths General Manager of Fresh Produce, Mr Michael Batycki, said Woolworths supplies of some fruit and vegetables had been affected by the extreme weather conditions experienced by Australian farmers. “With floods in North Queensland along with bushfires... ...Read more »

A portion of the Valentine’s Day sales of more than 1,000 Donut King, Brumby’s Bakery, Michel’s Patisserie and bb’s cafe outlets across Australia will be donated to the Australian Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal.The four retail brands, owned by Retail Food Group (RFG), hope to raise more than $100,000 for the appeal, including a donation from RFG itself. RFG CEO Tony Alford said Donut King, Brumby’s Bakery, Michel’s Patisserie and bb’s cafe franchisees... ...Read more »

Coles will donate this Friday’s (13 Feb) profits from its 750 stores nationally to the Government’s Bushfire Appeal Fund in partnership with the Red Cross, as Australian companies continue to offer support to those affected by the tragedy. Coles Managing Director, Ian McLeod, said the devastating bushfire had touched a number of Coles team members, some of whom have lost loved ones in the fire, and a number who have lost their homes. “Like everyone in the community, we’ve... ...Read more »

Farm Pride, Australia’s largest egg producer, has donated a truck load of eggs to several CFA drop off points in bush fire affected areas. The eggs, which total more than 7000 dozen, will be used to feed those who have lost everything in the fires, and those volunteering to assist in the relief centres. Farm Pride Chief Executive, Zelko Lendich, said the egg producer was delighted to assist in any way it could. ”This has been a devastating event for Victoria and we are pleased to be... ...Read more »

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... ...Read more »