The number of meals for Australians facing hardship is set to increase as SecondBite and FareShare merge in a move that will significantly transform the food rescue and relief sector.
SecondBite, founded in 2005, works with farmers, retailers and manufacturers across Australia to harness approximately 25 million kilograms of surplus quality produce every year, providing it to more than 1000 charity partners supporting their communities experiencing food insecurity.
FareShare, founded in 2001, operates Australia’s largest non-profit kitchens in Melbourne and Brisbane which transforms rescued and donated food, as well as produce grown on their own farms, into approximately two million delicious, nutritious meals for people in need, every year.
SecondBite CEO Daniel Moorfield said in initiating a merger, both organisations had identified strong operational and values alignment.
“Combining the incredible community-led culture of FareShare with the national scale and heartfelt reach of SecondBite will enable a single solution for providing free, nutritious food to communities who need it most,” he said. “It will enable growth, resulting in a greater supply of food, as well as a more tailored approach, where the need is greatest.”
Food insecurity impacts the quality of life and the prospects of millions of Australians, with many people experiencing complex challenges such as chronic illness, disability, and poor mental health, among others. Despite the sustained efforts of many volunteers, charities, businesses and governments, food insecurity in our country continues to rise.
Mr Moorfield said the merger was a timely and logical next step for the two organisations after many years of collaboration at Board, executive and operational levels – including a longstanding commitment by SecondBite to supply ingredients with which FareShare cooks meals for SecondBite to distribute through its network.
“I am excited to see what the future holds for the food rescue and relief sector, and our fellow sector partners as we continue to collaborate through advocacy, innovation and transformation, responding to the ever-increasing need and changes in the complexity of issues,” he said.
FareShare Vice Board Chair Sandy Dudakov OAM said the merger would transform the sector.
“Our reach will be wider, and our ability to provide more nutritious meals to many more people will be vastly improved,” he said. “My hope is that this merger will inspire even greater collaboration between all members of the food relief sector.”
Coles and Woolworths – SecondBite and FareShare’s major food and financial donors – both strongly support the merger.