In its annual appeal for SecondBite, Coles is giving shoppers the chance to purchase a $2 donation card at the supermarket checkout.
The national appeal comes as SecondBite released new research revealing 3 out of 4 community food charities are experiencing higher demand from vulnerable Aussies, in comparison to this time last year.
More specifically, from single-parent families and people affected by homelessness and unemployment.
Additionally, the research shows that nearly 3 in 10 food charities continue to experience a decline in volunteer numbers as a result of Covid-19.
“The need for food relief is even more urgent this winter due to the impact of Covid-19,” says SecondBite Ambassador and Board Director, Matt Preston.
“Almost 80% of our charity and community partners surveyed saw an increase in demand for their food relief programs compared to last year.
“As many charities rely on volunteers to deliver their services, Covid-19 has also impacted their ability to respond. Nearly 30% of our charity partners saw a decline in volunteer numbers and are experiencing ongoing disruption affecting their ability to meet demand.”
Make a difference
Coles Chief Sustainability, Property & Export Officer Thinus Keevè says customers can make a genuine difference to someone in need by supporting the winter appeal.
“By purchasing a $2 donation card at Coles this winter, our customers will be helping SecondBite to continue its essential services of supporting community food partners and feeding Aussies in need,” says Mr Keevè.
One of the charities supported by SecondBite is The Big Umbrella, located in Melbourne’s inner city.
The Big Umbrella’s CEO and founder Justin Dickinson says, “When there were no restrictions, we ran a buffet style meal service where people can sit down, share a meal and have a chat with our volunteers. But we’ve found it’s much harder now for people who need food relief as they are still anxious about receiving food in crowded areas.”
Coles is also donating 10 cents to SecondBite for every Coles Kitchen 300g soup sold until 31 October.
The Coles SecondBite Winter Appeal $2 donations cards are available at Coles supermarkets nationally until Tuesday 27 July.