Coles backs Christmas appeal for charities

COLES supermarkets across Victoria including the Torquay store have started a national Christmas appeal to help feed locals doing it tough as national food relief organisation SecondBite braces for increased demand in the holiday season.

New research released by SecondBite shows more than three in four of its food charities expect Christmas will be more difficult for people they support in the community,

More than seven in 10 (72 per cent) of agencies, including Torquay Food Aid, are reporting an increase in demand for food relief since COVID-19 began.

Until Christmas Eve, customers can show their support for those hit hard by COVID-19 by purchasing a $2 donation card or donating an amount of their choice at a Coles supermarket.

The appeal comes as SecondBite released its 2020 social impact report, which found that 88 per cent of community food charities reported a moderate or major impact of COVID-19 on their food relief programs, with lockdown, unemployment and slow return to business resulting in an increased need for food by the most at risk and disadvantaged communities.

Coles regional manager Janelle Donovan said it was important to remember those in the community who were doing it tough as Christmas drew nearer.

“Local charities including Torquay Food Aid have seen increased demand for food relief since the COVID-19 pandemic began, so it has never been a more important time to dig deep and help provide meals to people who might otherwise go without.

“By buying a $2 donation card at Coles between now and Christmas Eve, our Torquay customers can be assured they are making a genuine difference to those who are struggling to make ends meet.”

SecondBite co-founder Simone Carson said charities faced an unprecedented Christmas and encouraged shoppers to dig deep to help individuals and families battling this year.

“The charities we work with across Australia have seen first-hand the effect COVID-19 has had on the homeless, unemployed and struggling families and individuals.

“Our charities have told us this Christmas will be like no other because of the impact of COVID-19 with more and more people relying on food relief agencies to provide their next meal. Shoppers cannot underestimate the difference they can make in someone’s life with a small donation.”

Launching this month across 800 Coles supermarkets, the 2020 Christmas Appeal also supports families affected by cancer, with all proceeds evenly distributed between SecondBite and national children’s cancer charity Redkite.

More than 765 Coles supermarkets donate surplus fresh food to SecondBite each week to distribute to about 1,100 community food programs across Australia.

Coles donated nearly 14,000 tonnes (the equivalent of 28 million meals) of unsold, edible food to SecondBite in the 2019/20 financial year from its supermarkets and distribution centres, and also supported the organisation with bulk food donations.