By Natasha Fujimoto
SINCE Shepparton Foodshare’s inception in 2012, SPC — now SPC Global — has supported the Goulburn Valley’s primary food rescue and distribution service, donating everyday staples such as spaghetti, baked beans and fruit to help provide relief for the region’s most vulnerable individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.
Marking a major milestone in this long-standing partnership, SPC Global donated its one millionth kilogram of food to Shepparton Foodshare on Wednesday, May 27. This equates to around four million serves of everyday staples over the past 14 years and comes at a time when demand for Foodshare’s services has never been higher.
With cost-of-living pressures squeezing household budgets and forcing many across the region to cut back on essentials, Foodshare is providing a vital lifeline to a growing number of community members.
In recent years, Shepparton Foodshare has recorded year-on-year demand growth of approximately 30 per cent, rising to 40 per cent in the most recent year, driven by increasing need across diverse communities.
While Foodshare has redistributed more than five million kilograms of food — the equivalent of around 10 million meals — through registered agencies including emergency relief services, schools, community meal programs, faith organisations and neighbourhood houses, demand continues to rise.
“Demand for our services continues to grow, and partnerships like the one we share with SPC are absolutely critical,” Executive Officer Dee Healy said.
“SPC were our first food donor in 2012, and locals know they’ve long been the backbone of this community. This is just another example of their support.
“They also provided our first warehouse when Foodshare was starting and have been incredibly responsive ever since, even in times of crisis. During the recent bushfires, we needed culturally appropriate food for areas… and they delivered, arriving with a truck and pallets of baked beans.
“We’re incredibly grateful. We couldn’t have achieved what we have over the years without the one million kilos of food they’ve provided,” Dee said.
As Australia’s oldest agri-food business, operating for more than 100 years, SPC Global Chief Supply Chain Officer, Moataz Ahmad said the milestone reflects the company’s strong sense of responsibility to the community.
“At SPC, we have a responsibility to the community. Reaching one million kilos of food donated with Foodshare is a fantastic milestone for both organisations and a reminder that food manufacturers across Australia have an important role to play.
“We’re proud to give back and will continue supporting Foodshare and the wider community. This is a very proud moment for the SPC group.”
