First Pop-Up Foodbank feeds the City of Armadale in WA

Foodbank WA trialled its first Pop-Up Foodbank in collaboration with the City of Armadale, to provide locals experiencing food insecurity in the South-Eastern suburbs of Perth, with access to fresh fruit and vegetables.

The not-for-profit’s long-term supporter Bankwest, provided funding for the pop-up as well as an enthusiastic team of volunteers who helped sort, pack and distribute the food, free of charge.

Foodbank WA CEO Greg Hebble said, “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to help our frontline charities distribute fresh produce to families who are struggling to afford food for themselves and their families.”

“Especially at this time of year when we know the festive season puts extra strain on the household budget and many people will have no choice, but to turn to charity for help.”

The Pop-Up Foodbank was held at the Harold King Community Centre in Camillo, where over 270 people gathered to access to fresh produce including potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, sweet corn, capsicum, onion, cabbage, cauliflower and oranges.

Attendees were referred by one of seven front-line charities that partner with Foodbank WA to provide emergency food assistance to local residents in the City of Armadale.

Bankwest Armadale Branch Manager, Sue Hawkes, was one of the volunteers supporting Foodbank WA with their inaugural pop-up Foodbank.

“The festive season is hopefully a happy time, often spent with friends and family, enjoying food and drink in the Australian summer.

“But many people still face an uphill battle to put food on the table. Foodbank WA does an amazing job in helping but they’re in constant need of more and more donations,” she said.

An additional 3.5 tonnes of fresh produce was generously donated by local growers and wholesalers, including BETA SPUDS, Castro Farms, Edd Bacich, Fresh Express Produce, Freshlink Export, Ivankovich Farms, Mercer Mooney Moriatis, Nik Trandos, Pantane Produce, Topcaps Produce and Wes Growers.

“We know transport can be a barrier for people experiencing financial hardship, so our new pop-up concept is one way we can take the food to the suburbs most in need,” said Mr Hebble.

Last year Foodbank WA, distributed 6.1 million meals throughout the state through its network of over 480 charities, including more than half a million kilograms of fresh fruit and vegetables. With demand for food continuing to rise, the hunger relief organisation is explore new ways of getting more food to where it’s needed most.

Foodbank WA would like to hear from local businesses that would like to support a Foodbank Pop-Up in their area to help the most vulnerable members of the community gain access to nutritious food.