Transport Fees Scrapped for Hunter Charity Food

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Hunter charity partners of the Foodbank NSW initiative are set to benefit from a state government announcement.

Foodbank

accounts for about 65% of all fresh produce and non-perishables delivered to 53 charity partners like the Salvation Army Cessnock, St Vincent De Paul Wyong and BaptistCare Windale Community Centre.

Now, a $50 transport fee per pallet will be scrapped, delivering 4000 tonnes across the state for free –  saving the charities a collective $630,000.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald says the small measure will make a huge impact and also help the fight against food waste.

“[Foodbank] has a couple of goals of course,” he explains, “one is to provide food for people in need, but also to keep food out of landfill…so it’s a win-win really.

“This will put about $150 a week towards charity for these organisations instead of transport costs,” Mr MacDonald says.

Image: Foodbank NSW.