FOR just 50 cents, you can help families struggling financially to not go without a meal this Christmas.
Customers at Woolworths Swan Hill can purchase a 50-cent token to support Woolworths OzHarvest Christmas Appeal, which runs until December 24.
The donation will go towards national food rescue charity OzHarvest’s operating costs, with the 50c covering the cost of providing a meal to community members.
Woolworths Swan Hill store manager Luke Hadfield said the store was concerned by the number of Australians seeking food relief.
“A number on the rise, and we’re committed to supporting those in need in our local community,” he said.
“The Woolworths OzHarvest Christmas Appeal is such an important time of year for us, together with our customers, to all play a role in making a difference.”
Food insecurity is also on the rise in Victoria, with one-in-five people in Victoria experiencing food insecurity in the past 12 months.
OzHarvest founder and chief executive officer Ronni Kahn said going hungry at Christmas was a harsh reality for an increasing number of Victorians.
“We are asking generous Woolworths customers to support the OzHarvest Christmas Appeal,” she said.
“So that we can continue to deliver much needed food to local charities that support Australians requiring hunger relief.”
Recent Foodbank hunger report research shows the need for food relief services increased by 20 per cent over the past year.
While, 30 per cent of food-insecure Australians were going a whole day without eating.
Through the appeal and fresh produce donations through Woolworths, OzHarvest aimed to deliver meals to more than 155 charitable agencies across Victoria.
Over the past two years, the appeal has raised more than $2 million for OzHarvest and provided four million meals for Australians in need.
This year, the aim is to raise another $1 million to support Australian families at a time that sees increased pressure on household budgets.
Monetary donations can also be made in store, online, or by purchasing a pack of Santa cookies at Woolworths.
