SHEPPARTON Foodshare has secured a major fresh produce boost, with a new partnership set to deliver 33,000 serves of fruit to families in need.
Redland Fruit will donate more than 5,000 kilograms of fruit to the organisation, with weekly deliveries ensuring nutritious produce can be packed into food boxes year-round for people experiencing food insecurity.
Executive Officer Dee Healey said fresh fruit was essential to Foodshare’s work.
“Fresh fruit is a necessary food staple required for our food boxes, it’s a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fibre which supports good health,” she said. “We are so fortunate to operate in a region known as the food bowl of Australia. However, donations of fruit are often seasonal, so this partnership means we receive a weekly delivery, helping to ensure fruit is available to those that need it most year-round.”
Redland, which has packing and processing facilities in Queensland and Victoria, including Mooroopna, has supported Shepparton Foodshare for years. When Redland took over the Mooroopna site where Foodshare was previously based, it continued providing warehouse space free of charge until the organisation moved into its new distribution centre.
CEO James Campbell said the company was committed to supporting regional communities.
“This partnership is one small but meaningful way we can continue to contribute to the community that’s been part of the Redland’s story for many years,” he said. “Food security is a growing challenge across regional communities, and we’re committed to doing our part to ensure more people have access to healthy, nutritious food.”
