The West Coast Eagles and Foodbank along with Mineral Resources, are calling on the WA community to join The Million Meal Challenge for 2023.
In the most demanding period for food relief that Foodbank WA has ever experienced, The Million Meal Challenge is aiming to raise significant funds to support Western Australians who are struggling to make ends meet as the cost of living continues to skyrocket.
On Tuesday the challenge was launched at Foodbank WA’s Centre for Hunger Relief at Perth Airport.
Andrew Gaff, Ella Roberts and Jackson Nelson from West Coast Eagles joined Joshua Thurlow, CEO - Lithium, Mineral Resources and Kate O’Hara, CEO, of Foodbank WA in Foodbank’s Community Kitchen preparing meals to support our fellow West Aussies in need.
The challenge will culminate at the Eagles match against Carlton at Optus Stadium on Saturday 29 April.
Mineral Resources has committed to double donations from Eagles members and the WA community up to $50,000.
This is in recognition of the increasing degree of food stress West Aussies are currently experiencing and having to skip meals to make ends meet.
MinRes Chief Executive Officer, Lithium Josh Thurlow said: “No one in our State should go without food, not even for a day.
“That’s why MinRes is proud to partner with Foodbank to help put food on the table of WA households who are doing it tough during the cost-of-living crisis.
“We are kick-starting the Million Meal Challenge by committing $50,000 to double all donations made by West Coast Eagles members and the WA community. “Members of our workforce and their families will be at the game to take donations and we’d love to see everyone dig deep for this very worthy cause.”
West Coast Eagles CEO Trevor Nisbett said the club was proud to contribute to the Foodbank Million Meals campaign, along long-standing partner Mineral Resources.
“We know that many WA families are doing it tough and encourage everyone to join the million meals challenge - Every dollar donated is two meals created.” Mr Nisbett said.
“For over a decade we have partnered with Foodbank WA to make a real difference. Our members and fans are outstanding, and we know they will rally to the cause when we take on Carlton under lights at Optus Stadium.”
Foodbank WA CEO Kate O’Hara said “West Coast Eagles have been supporting us for the past 11 years, helping us to tell our story and raise much-needed funds. We can see the power of two great organisations working together to rally the community in getting behind The Million Meals Challenge."
Cost of Living pressures see 90% growth in demand for Foodbank WA services over a two year period.
At Foodbank WA, the number of new customers is growing daily. Families in our community are reaching out for assistance and now we have days where it is over 900 households shopping with us. We have experienced a 90% growth in demand across the state. Both a new socio-demographic and the traditionally vulnerable need our assistance. Over 13,000 households are registered and have access cards to Foodbank representing close to 35,000 adults and children. 14% identify themselves as Aboriginal and/or Indigenous Torres Strait Islanders.
Foodbank WA is calling on the WA community to make a donation online today at https://foodbank.org.au/wa/wcemillionmeal/ and have it doubled, thanks to Mineral Resources.
Volunteers will also be collecting donations on game day, before and during halftime.
Food Assistance is available to anyone struggling to access or afford food. Phone the Emergency Relief & Food Assistance Hotline 1800 979 777, Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm.
