The donation arrived at a critical moment, with FareShare’s kitchens in Abbotsford and Brisbane running low on cream—an essential ingredient in many of their staple meals, including mashed potato, butter chicken and carbonara. The timely delivery ensured meals  reached Australians who rely on food relief services.

Wendy Maslin, Food Sourcing Manager at SecondBite | FareShare, said the donation could not have come at a better time.  “We’re grateful to Fonterra for providing us with cream as it is a key ingredient in many popular meals. Making FareShare meals nutritious and full of flavour are priorities for us, and cream helps create comforting and satisfying meals that are enjoyed by people in our community".

Foodbank also welcomed the donation, noting the dual benefits of waste reduction and community impact. “Partnerships like this help ensure perfectly good food is used to feed those who need it, rather than end up in landfill,” Michele McNamara, Foodbank Victoria Sourcing Manager said.

“Fonterra’s support allows us to keep providing essential ingredients to charity partners when they need them most.”

The initiative reflects Fonterra Oceania’s commitment to collaborating with community partners to reduce food waste and improve food security..

Amavi Mey, Fonterra Oceania’s Community & Social Impact Manager said it was extremely rewarding to be part of the effort.

“We’re proud to work alongside organisations like FareShare and Foodbank.

“Being able to redirect surplus cream into meals for Australians doing it tough shows what’s possible when industry and community partners work together.”

Fonterra Oceania is committed to making a positive impact in its communities, whether through regular product donations, volunteering, or supporting local food relief initiatives.

If you know of a community group or initiative in need of support, please get in touch at inourcommunityaustralia@fonterra.com.