Winter warmth: Coles and SecondBite team up to 'heat' up food relief for Aussies in need
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As the crisp chill of winter begins to settle across Australia, many are reaching for their warmest coats and turning up the heat at home.
However, for some Australians, the colder months bring about a struggle that goes beyond staying warm—the struggle to put food on the table.
Recognising this critical need, a popular supermarket chain has launched its annual campaign dedicated to helping feed Aussies who are doing it tough during these colder months.
Coles, in collaboration with SecondBite, launched its winter appeal on July 17, urging customers to buy a $2 donation card at the checkout that can provide up to 10 meals for those in need.
This year, Coles’ SecondBite Winter Appeal has gained a familiar face with renowned food critic and culinary icon Matt Preston stepping in to lend a helping hand.
Preston, a passionate supporter of SecondBite for over a decade, spent a morning at Victoria’s Mornington Community Support Centre Food Pantry and Cafe—a SecondBite partner charity—to kick off the initiative.
‘The Mornington Peninsula support centre gives you an image of what is happening over at thousands of other charities around Australia that rely on SecondBite for the services they provide. People in need come down here and fill up their bags with fruit and veg, it’s a really wholesome thing and incredibly efficient,’ he shared.
‘Obviously, Covid brought a whole lot of people to our charity partners looking for fruit and veg because money was tight, but also they were looking for community as well.’
‘That’s the thing about these programs, they are judgement-free grocery distribution places where you go and see other people who are also struggling…that side of things is really, really important.’
‘We see a lot of different people coming through, the demand here on the Mornington Peninsula is up by 50 per cent, and that is just incredible,’ Mr Preston added.
He believes that rising prices for fresh fruit and vegetables and increased rent and mortgage stress fuel the demand for food charities.
Research from SecondBite, conducted by YouGov, found that 76 per cent of Australians face greater challenges in winter, with 57 per cent citing high energy bills as a significant source of financial strain.
SecondBite CEO Daniel Moorfield stated that the demand for food relief increases during winter, urging shoppers to support the appeal.
‘The need for food relief is exacerbated this winter as many vulnerable Aussies are faced with choosing between heating or eating, finding they can no longer make their budget work to cover the necessities. The funds raised at Coles will help SecondBite to meet the increased demands and will help us to continue to rescue and deliver nutritious food free of charge to more than 1,000 community food partners,’ he said.
‘Our partnership with SecondBite extends beyond raising funds so that they can continue their essential service of delivering rescued food to vulnerable Australians. Together, we are also tackling food waste by diverting unsold, edible food from landfill and onto the plates of those who need it most.’
‘Since 2011, Coles has donated the equivalent of over 250 million meals to SecondBite with food rescued from our supermarkets and distribution centres,’ Mr Moorfield added.
This winter, there are more opportunities than ever to support SecondBite at Coles, as brands like Chobani, Mount Franklin, Nando’s, and the Natural Chip Co. are contributing.
A portion of sales from selected products available in all Coles supermarkets and on Coles Online will go towards the appeal.
Rosie Italiano has firsthand experience with SecondBite, having been a recipient of the charity and now serving as a volunteer.
‘My life has been filled with incredible highs and plenty of lows, and in the last couple of years, there was quite a bit of financial pressure…life gets to you. In my most deflating moments, I came to the community centre, and that was my safe place, she shared.
‘At the start, I was so embarrassed and mortified, I was so used to helping other people, that it was a hard time asking for help for myself. But, everyone has a story here, and there is no judgement.’
Ben Smith, CEO of the Mornington Community Support Centre, stated that regardless of stereotypes, anyone on a fixed income or living situation can find themselves in need, making initiatives like the Coles SecondBite Winter Appeal vital to address this demand.
‘I’d say close to 65 per cent of our clients now are in some sort of private accommodation. That number, 65 per cent, a couple of years ago, would have related to clients who are in public housing,’ Mr Smith said.
‘We’re seeing people who, just a few years ago were standing on their own two feet and able to cope, and now have to reach out and take that extra help. That could be anyone on a government plan like a pension or Jobseeker to a shift worker or nurse.’
‘Asking for help is sometimes seen as really bad, like you’ve failed at life, but what we’ve really tried to do here is to help people understand that, that’s part of life,’ he added.
The Coles SecondBite Winter Appeal, running until July 30, offers a simple yet powerful way for each of us to make a difference.
By donating at the checkout or supporting partner brands, we can help ensure that no Australian has to choose between heating and eating this winter.
As the Coles SecondBite Winter Appeal aims to provide food relief for Australians in need, it's essential to consider the broader context of food waste in the industry.
Recently, supermarket giants have faced allegations regarding the wastage of edible food, highlighting a pressing issue that not only affects the availability of food for those in need but also raises questions about sustainability and responsibility in the grocery sector.
So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, let's rally together and show our support for this noble cause.
Share your warmth not just through your layers of clothing but through acts of kindness that can warm the hearts and lives of those in need.
What are your thoughts on this initiative? Should you donate, what will your contribution be? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below.
However, for some Australians, the colder months bring about a struggle that goes beyond staying warm—the struggle to put food on the table.
Recognising this critical need, a popular supermarket chain has launched its annual campaign dedicated to helping feed Aussies who are doing it tough during these colder months.
Coles, in collaboration with SecondBite, launched its winter appeal on July 17, urging customers to buy a $2 donation card at the checkout that can provide up to 10 meals for those in need.
This year, Coles’ SecondBite Winter Appeal has gained a familiar face with renowned food critic and culinary icon Matt Preston stepping in to lend a helping hand.
Preston, a passionate supporter of SecondBite for over a decade, spent a morning at Victoria’s Mornington Community Support Centre Food Pantry and Cafe—a SecondBite partner charity—to kick off the initiative.
Coles has launched its annual SecondBite Winter Appeal to support Australians in need during the colder months. Credit: Instagram / SecondBite
‘The Mornington Peninsula support centre gives you an image of what is happening over at thousands of other charities around Australia that rely on SecondBite for the services they provide. People in need come down here and fill up their bags with fruit and veg, it’s a really wholesome thing and incredibly efficient,’ he shared.
‘Obviously, Covid brought a whole lot of people to our charity partners looking for fruit and veg because money was tight, but also they were looking for community as well.’
‘That’s the thing about these programs, they are judgement-free grocery distribution places where you go and see other people who are also struggling…that side of things is really, really important.’
‘We see a lot of different people coming through, the demand here on the Mornington Peninsula is up by 50 per cent, and that is just incredible,’ Mr Preston added.
He believes that rising prices for fresh fruit and vegetables and increased rent and mortgage stress fuel the demand for food charities.
Research from SecondBite, conducted by YouGov, found that 76 per cent of Australians face greater challenges in winter, with 57 per cent citing high energy bills as a significant source of financial strain.
SecondBite CEO Daniel Moorfield stated that the demand for food relief increases during winter, urging shoppers to support the appeal.
‘The need for food relief is exacerbated this winter as many vulnerable Aussies are faced with choosing between heating or eating, finding they can no longer make their budget work to cover the necessities. The funds raised at Coles will help SecondBite to meet the increased demands and will help us to continue to rescue and deliver nutritious food free of charge to more than 1,000 community food partners,’ he said.
‘Our partnership with SecondBite extends beyond raising funds so that they can continue their essential service of delivering rescued food to vulnerable Australians. Together, we are also tackling food waste by diverting unsold, edible food from landfill and onto the plates of those who need it most.’
‘Since 2011, Coles has donated the equivalent of over 250 million meals to SecondBite with food rescued from our supermarkets and distribution centres,’ Mr Moorfield added.
This winter, there are more opportunities than ever to support SecondBite at Coles, as brands like Chobani, Mount Franklin, Nando’s, and the Natural Chip Co. are contributing.
A portion of sales from selected products available in all Coles supermarkets and on Coles Online will go towards the appeal.
Rosie Italiano has firsthand experience with SecondBite, having been a recipient of the charity and now serving as a volunteer.
‘My life has been filled with incredible highs and plenty of lows, and in the last couple of years, there was quite a bit of financial pressure…life gets to you. In my most deflating moments, I came to the community centre, and that was my safe place, she shared.
‘At the start, I was so embarrassed and mortified, I was so used to helping other people, that it was a hard time asking for help for myself. But, everyone has a story here, and there is no judgement.’
Ben Smith, CEO of the Mornington Community Support Centre, stated that regardless of stereotypes, anyone on a fixed income or living situation can find themselves in need, making initiatives like the Coles SecondBite Winter Appeal vital to address this demand.
‘I’d say close to 65 per cent of our clients now are in some sort of private accommodation. That number, 65 per cent, a couple of years ago, would have related to clients who are in public housing,’ Mr Smith said.
‘We’re seeing people who, just a few years ago were standing on their own two feet and able to cope, and now have to reach out and take that extra help. That could be anyone on a government plan like a pension or Jobseeker to a shift worker or nurse.’
‘Asking for help is sometimes seen as really bad, like you’ve failed at life, but what we’ve really tried to do here is to help people understand that, that’s part of life,’ he added.
The Coles SecondBite Winter Appeal, running until July 30, offers a simple yet powerful way for each of us to make a difference.
By donating at the checkout or supporting partner brands, we can help ensure that no Australian has to choose between heating and eating this winter.
As the Coles SecondBite Winter Appeal aims to provide food relief for Australians in need, it's essential to consider the broader context of food waste in the industry.
Recently, supermarket giants have faced allegations regarding the wastage of edible food, highlighting a pressing issue that not only affects the availability of food for those in need but also raises questions about sustainability and responsibility in the grocery sector.
Share your warmth not just through your layers of clothing but through acts of kindness that can warm the hearts and lives of those in need.
What are your thoughts on this initiative? Should you donate, what will your contribution be? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below.
