A new partnership between Foodbank and Aussie Farmers Direct gives those looking for a way to help less fortunate families this Christmas the opportunity to provide the gift of a festive meal.
Aussie Farmers Direct is encouraging customers to buy a ‘Project Rudolph’ dinner box for a family in need, which Foodbank will deliver nationwide in an effort to make Christmas a little brighter for thousands across the country.
The box, which sells for $45, contains the ingredients for a hearty family Christmas meal, including roast pork and a traditional Christmas cake.
Hunger is one of Australia’s least-recognised social issues, with two million people accessing food assistance at some point every year, half of them children. Low-income and single-parent families have become the biggest groups turning to welfare agencies for help.
“While many of us look forward to a few days of family time, gifts and over-indulging on turkey and Christmas pudding, it’s important to remember those less fortunate, particularly as approximately half-a-million people will rely on Foodbank’s services this Christmas,” Foodbank Australia CEO Jason Hincks said.
“It’s at times like this that we’re reminded of the profound role food plays in our lives. It’s the essential ingredient for bringing families, friends and communities together to share and celebrate.
“The latest ‘Foodbank Hunger Report’ reveals that almost 60,000 Australians seeking food support are unable to be assisted each month, so this holiday season we’re asking the public to pitch in and help to make this a merry Christmas for as many Australians as possible.”
Aussie Farmers Direct CEO Keith Louie says he is confident customers will embrace the initiative.
“Our customers are a generous-spirited group and I’m sure they’ll jump at the chance to donate a delicious, all-Aussie Christmas meal to a family doing it tough this holiday season,” he said.
TV presenter and Aussie Farmers Direct ambassador Natalie Gruzlewski says she is thrilled to support such a worthy cause.
“Having food on the table is something that many of us take for granted and yet, for some families, it’s a daily struggle,” she said. “This holiday season, I encourage everyone to dig deep and give the gift of a Christmas meal to families in need.”
The Project Rudolph dinner box will be available for purchase from the Aussie Farmers Direct website until mid-December and will consist of 1kg Australian pork boneless leg roast, two zucchini, two broccoli, 1kg washed potatoes, 500g pre-packed carrots, one butternut pumpkin, 300g package of Great Temptations Anzac Biscuits, 2lt Aussie Farmers Direct orange juice and an 800g dark Christmas cake.