Local shoppers encouraged to get behind food drive

HELPING THE NEEDY

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Locals are encouraged to get behind a food drive to help those in need. Picture: Woolworths

Mossman is organising a local community food drive to help deliver high priority food relief to those experiencing hardship in the lead-up to Christmas.

The initiative started yesterday with Port Douglas and Mossman customers encouraged to donate non-perishable food items into the specially marked local community food drive trolley which can be found in-store. Items the public are invited to drop in, includes:

  • Breakfast cereals
  • Pasta, rice and instant noodles
  • Canned fish or meat
  • Spreads (peanut butter, honey, jam)
  • Baked beans and spaghetti

Food insecurity is a harsh reality for many Australians. According to the 2022 FoodBank Hunger Report, more than half a million households struggle to meet food needs; with more than two million households having gone hungry in the last 12 months.

Within these households, the number of children affected has increased by 100,000, resulting in 1.3 million children grappling without having food on their plate.

Woolworths stores are working closely with local food charities to ensure Port Douglas and Mossman residents in need receive the donated items, along with fresh food to the value of $250 in time for the upcoming festive season.

The food drive is a frontline community effort to help provide a solution for hunger relief, which has been exacerbated by the rising cost of living and changes in household living arrangements.

“As Today's Fresh Food People, we’re dedicated to caring for all local Australian communities," Mossman Store Manager, Melissa Duck said.

"Our food rescue efforts not only support vulnerable people, but provide an opportunity for Australians to understand the country’s stark hunger problem.

“We’re asking Port Douglas and Mossman customers who are in a position to do so, to join us in donating to the Woolworths Local Community Food Drive on their next grocery shop, by simply adding non-perishable items to our trolleys.

"By making a small donation, you will be helping the wellbeing of our local community, providing them with the essentials they need.”

Port Douglas and Mossman customers can donate in-store at Mossman to the Woolworths Local Community Food Drive from 2 November until 15 November.

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