Fonterra Oceania donates more than 1.7 million serves of dairy nutrition to Foodbank Australia
At Fonterra Oceania, we believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back. Our longstanding partnership with Foodbank is focused on helping to combat food insecurity across Australia.
This collaboration is providing essential nutrition to those in need at a time where more Australians are battling cost-of-living challenges and struggling to put food on the table.
Fonterra Oceania’s donations and partnership with Foodbank is helping to provide nutritious options for families and individuals struggling with food insecurity.
Fonterra Oceania Community Engagement Manager Amavi Mey said that in 2024, our Oceania business donated more than 1.7 million serves* of dairy nutrition to Foodbank Australia.
“In the last 12 months, we have contributed 384,000 litres of milk, more than 8,000 kilograms of cheese, and 9,600 kilograms of butter. That’s more than 1.7 million serves of dairy donated.
“Most important is ensuring we can make a difference to food-insecure households and individuals across the country and provide them with nutritious options. We’re proud of our efforts to deliver such a significant donation,” she said.
Largest food donor to Foodbank Victoria
Fonterra Oceania’s donations to Foodbank’s national network were the equivalent of serving 725,708 meals to people in need in the last 12 months. Most donations went to Foodbank Victoria where Fonterra Oceania was its largest food donor.
Foodbank Victoria Chief Commercial Officer Katie Fisher highlighted the importance of Fonterra Oceania’s donations.
"The structured way that Fonterra's donations come in every week allows our charity partners across the state to provide consistent access to the communities they work with,” she said.
“Hunger shouldn’t be part of anyone’s story, but sadly, it is across a growing number of communities. The demand for food relief continues to rise, with more and more families and individuals facing the harsh reality of sacrificing meals to keep a roof over their heads.
“Fonterra Oceania’s support means fewer empty plates and helps to remind those receiving food relief that they are part of a community that cares,” Katie finished.
“In the last 12 months, we have contributed 384,000 litres of milk, more than 8,000 kilograms of cheese, and 9,600 kilograms of butter. That’s more than 1.7 million serves of dairy donated."
Cyclone Alfred relief
In March, Fonterra Oceania promptly responded to a call for help in the aftermath of Cyclone Alfred in New South Wales and Queensland communities, donating more than 14,000 litres of Anchor UHT milk.
“Foodbank reached out seeking immediate help and donations for impacted communities caught in the extreme weather events from Cyclone Alfred,” Amavi said.
“Our factories are in Victoria and Tasmania, so getting refrigerated, fresh milk, butter and cream further north wasn’t an option.
“Instead, we organised a special delivery of Anchor UHT milk from our Foodservice team, providing those in need with a longer shelf-life product. This was a better option as many communities and households didn’t have power, and UHT is just as nutritious as fresh milk,” she said.
Foodbank Queensland Chief Operating Officer Saul Martinez with Fonterra Oceania’s donation of Anchor UHT milk.
“Fonterra Oceania’s support means fewer empty plates and helps to remind those receiving food relief that they are part of a community that cares."
Looking ahead, Fonterra Oceania is excited to continue building our partnership with Foodbank, and work with key retail customers to further our impact.
“Some of our customers endorse the donation of their own brand products to Foodbank, meeting dual goals of supporting vulnerable communities and reducing food waste,” Amavi said.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to further collaborate on our shared goals and increase our collective impact,” she finished.
Whether through donations, volunteer efforts, or raising awareness, Fonterra Oceania is committed to making a positive impact for years to come.
*Using Australian Dietary Guidelines Serves of Dairy, one serve of dairy is equivalent to 250mL glass of milk and 40g of cheese.