BeefBank Partners with Foodbank Queensland to Fight Hunger this Xmas

One of BeefBank’s greatest assets is Foodbank. They form the important link in the chain of feeding the hungry in Queensland and also plan a vital part in getting the much needed protein into the bellies of those who need it most.

Foodbank is the largest hunger relief organization in Australia and last year alone, this organisation, with the help of volunteers and many donations, provided enough food for over 63 million meals. Foodbank is a non-denominational, non-profit organisation which acts as a pantry to the charities and community groups who feed the hungry. Established in 1992 in NSW, Foodbank now has a presence in every state and the NT with distribution centres in all state capitals as well as a number of regional centres. 

I had the pleasure of meeting Nicci Skerl, Foodbank Queensland’s Marketing Manager recently, and she has kindly given me some insight into why she is a part of Foodbank.

Why did you join Foodbank’s team?

The job came first, the passion for it not long after! When you get the opportunity to see the impact your work is having at the frontline, hear the stories from agencies and recipients who, through Foodbank, you have helped is very rewarding.

What is Foodbank’s greatest asset?

A sense of community that it creates. The sense that through your participation no matter how or where, big or small, through volunteering, donating food or funds you are participating in making a difference for someone who you may never meet.

What is Foodbank’s most precious item?

Meat is one food item that gets, very quickly, left off the shopping list when people are struggling; even though we know how important it is to have protein. Making meat a precious commodity which is not an item that is ‘wasted’ at store or manufacturer level often therefore partnerships such as the BeefBank.org partnership is invaluable to us.

What kind of charities are the largest users of Foodbank?

The largest kind of charities are those feeding families, such as St. Vincent de Paul, ADRA, The Salvation Army, to local church groups and many more!

The most alarming statistic you have heard so far?

Our recent Hunger Report revealed many new stats but for me the most important statistic or story to tell, is that almost half of the food insecure people are employed in some way, hunger is not just about homelessness and unemployment but a much broader group that we are assisting.

What is your favourite part of the job?

Connecting people! That can be finding an agency close to someone who needs help, or finding an agency for someone to volunteer at. Connecting agencies that are struggling independently but together are now achieving great things!

Can you tell us a story which has truly moved you and changed your life and how?

The story that resonates for me is from an agency that helps women and their families who are receiving treatment for breast cancer. A young single woman with no family nearby was unable to work whilst receiving treatment lost her job as a consequence; no longer being able to afford to pay rent she was forced to live in her car. Food insecurity more often is not about bad choices, but simply unfortunate circumstances that could happen to anyone at any time.

BeefBank.Org are a local Brisbane charity who accept donations of cash or cattle so we can supply Foodbank with the much needed protein which, as Nicci has also emphasised, is incredibly precious to charities they support. 

So this year, join BeefBank.Org in our Christmas Appeal to raise $2000 for 2000 meals by donating via our website www.beefbank.org/donate so you can play your part in ending hunger.

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