Coles is donating 5000 hams to disadvantaged families and community organisations this Christmas as it launches its annual Christmas appeal for SecondBite today.
The Christmas hams will be distributed by SecondBite to community food charities across Australia to help struggling families and community organisations host festive Christmas gatherings.
Shoppers can support this year’s appeal by purchasing a $2 donation card at a Coles supermarket checkout from today until Christmas Eve or by making a donation at Liquorland, First Choice Liquor Market or Vintage Cellars store until 13 December. All funds raised will help SecondBite rescue and deliver unsold edible food to around 1100 community food relief organisations nationally.
SecondBite ambassador and Board Director Matt Preston says money raised will provide food relief across the country in the form of cooked meals, food hampers and essential ingredients.
“This year has been very challenging for SecondBite’s community food partners, with nearly 40% of organisations telling us they’ve experienced a significant increase in demand for food relief,” he says.
“With higher rental prices and utility bills, people are financially prioritising in a way they haven’t before. Parents are missing meals so that their kids can eat, and pensioners are skipping meals to keep their heaters or coolers on.
“That’s why the Coles SecondBite Christmas Appeal is so important. It helps SecondBite run its essential services of picking up food daily from supermarkets and suppliers and delivering to those who need it most. For as little as $2, shoppers can help SecondBite to provide the equivalent of ten meals to a person or family in need.”
Since 2011, Coles and its customers are said to have helped SecondBite to provide the equivalent of more than 190 million meals for Aussies in need. Throughout the year, more than 800 Coles supermarkets and distribution centres donate unsold, edible food to SecondBite and its network of food relief and community organisations across Australia.
Coles customers can also donate to SecondBite by visiting secondbite.org.