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EnergyAustralia was proud to support Foodbank Victoria’s Farms to Families market in Ascot Vale last month, which distributed a whopping 4000 kilograms of fruit, vegetables and dairy products to hundreds of families doing it tough.
The Farms to Families market, made possible by EnergyAustralia’s sponsorship, was developed to overcome many charities lacking commercial cold storage facilities for distribution of bulk fresh food. The market complements Foodbank Victoria’s mission to provide more than 1.2 million meals each month to vulnerable Victorians.
EnergyAustralia Distributed Resources Leader, Jess Padman, was one of 13 EnergyAustralia volunteers who lent a hand by packing bags with fresh produce.
“Supporting people in need was great but the best aspect of the day was learning more about the customers, some who were seeking food relief for the first time in their lives due to the impact of COVID-19,” said Jessica.
“The experience made me realise that while Australia has been billed a lucky country, not everyone is lucky. I was shocked when Foodbank told us that for Victorians experiencing food insecurity, 38 per cent go a whole day without eating at least once a week,” she said.
“EnergyAustralia provides its workers with two paid days a year to volunteer with a range of not-for-profit organisations. Not only is it rewarding to assist, but being able to give back with workmates helps to build team spirit.”
Chief Executive Officer of Foodbank Victoria, Dave McNamara, says the partnership with EnergyAustralia is one of their most valued.
“During the last six years EnergyAustralia have remained firmly by our side through bushfires, floods and now a pandemic. Our partnership continues to grow year-on-year and we are so incredibly proud of what we have achieved together,” said Dave.
“In addition to their sponsorship, EnergyAustralia is also our largest corporate volunteering group, assisting in our warehouse two to three times a month.
“Our special corporate Farms to Families market came to life in Ascot Vale this month, with another planned for October. At these events our two organisations come together to help feed those in need,” he said.
May 12, 2021