![]() ![]() We are busy piloting our new food rescue app which will be launched nationwide in 2019 primarily focusing on areas where our gorgeous, nimble and agile yellow vans can’t reach. I’m so proud that the OzHarvest app will deliver cost effective and immediate food relief across Australia connecting hearts, minds and bellies. Whilst the story is now last week’s news, I was grateful it gave a platform to the issue of food insecurity in Australia. Goals like this may seem insurmountable, but if the issue is taken seriously and put on the national agenda with adequate funding, education and resources to help change the staus quo, we will be able to create a better world. Until then, the narrative around food insecurity should be focused on sustainable solutions and long-term interventions, not on which charity deserves the most funding. Ultimately, I want to put OzHarvest out of business, and see a world where food rescue organisations are no longer needed. I also want every person in Australia to have access to quality, nutritious food. I want to end food waste, and at the very least, meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 and see it halved by 2030. We know it cannot be done alone or by relying on existing food rescue/relief models. OzHarvest, FoodBank and Second Bite are united in our mission to solve the hunger problem in Australia. Why is it that in a society where we throw five million tonnes of food away each year, four million people rely food relief? I am still staggered by how many are still hungry and I know from our waiting lists alone that demand outweighs supply. The figures speak for themselves and increase each year, and now the most vulnerable are in regional Australia, many in drought affected areas where food relief is hard to access. The most important point to come out of the news last week is the pressing need to address the national issue of food insecurity. ![]() The media calls rolled in and in short sound-bites I confirmed how the new funding for OzHarvest was gratefully received and had been secured as part of a competitive tender which would enable the roll-out of an exciting new digital solution to provide food relief in remote and regional communities to complement our Yellow van model. But the heart of the matter is that hunger in Australia is real and there is never enough money or resources to truly tackle the problem – a sentiment echoed across the sector and from many supporters.Īs a growing organisation in the For Impact sector, finding sustainable and long-term funding is a constant challenge whilst trying to address a national and global issue. Whilst the majority of headlines focused on the Federal Government’s initial decision to cut Foodbank’s funding, followed by the spectacular U-turn from the Prime Minister to restore it (note to self – making lots of noise and getting Bill Shorten on side is very effective!), commentary and conversations implying OzHarvest could be the reason for the cut did not go unnoticed. It’s been 14 years since I started rescuing food and making sure we feed hungry bellies, instead of good food ending up in landfill. The road has been long and not without a few bumps along the way, but this Christmas, I’m proud to say OzHarvest will deliver its 100 millionth meal! Quite a milestone, for the organisation and me personally, which has given me cause for reflection, especially after a week where OzHarvest and food relief funding has been splashed across the news. ![]()
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