Nestlé donates $2 million worth of food in pandemic response

Australia’s biggest food manufacturer Nestlé will donate a minimum of $2 million worth of food through Foodbank to Australians in need including the vulnerable and elderly in a response to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.

The company will provide $500,000 a fortnight worth of products such as coffee, cereals, meal bases and pet foods to be distributed through Foodbank’s 2,400 charity agencies.

In addition to the $2 million donation, Nestlé will extend its 10-year partnership with Role Models and Leaders Australia, who run the Girls Academy, a school-based engagement program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls.

Nestlé will provide essential food items to 43 at-risk remote Indigenous communities that are facing food scarcity as some are in lockdown.

Nestlé Oceania CEO, Sandra Martinez said: “An act of kindness can go a long way in these uncertain times, with even the smallest gestures having the potential to make a big difference to both individuals and broader communities.

“Now, more than ever, is a time for Australians to band together and help one another.

“Together with Foodbank and the Girls Academy, we are aiming to do what we can to make a positive difference and help those Australians who need it the most during these difficult times.”

Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey said demand for food from vulnerable people and communities was rising at a rate never before seen.

Casey said: “Foodbank has an exceptional support network of donors and supporters that help us provide food relief to more than 815,000 Aussies a month, during normal times.

“These are no longer normal times and our partners are rising to the call.”

Nestlé operates six manufacturing plants in Australia and a turnover of $4.6 billion in the Oceania region.

Picture: Nestlé/Purina pet food plant, Blamey

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