The New South Wales government’s Return and Earn program is partnering with food relief organisation, Foodbank NSW & ACT, aiming to raise $250,000 to help feed families in need this summer.
Foodbank NSW & ACT is the state and territory’s largest and most trusted food relief organisation, providing much needed food assistance to individuals and families across NSW and the ACT.
This year’s Foodbank Hunger Report revealed food insecurity in Australia has reached a critical point, with one in three NSW households facing hunger. This equates to one million households facing food-insecurity in NSW alone, with 75 per cent of households saying cost of living is the primary cause.
Raising $250,000 for the organisation will help provide the equivalent of half a million meals to people in need.
The six-month recycling appeal was launched last week at a Return and Earn machine in Eastern Creek, attended by CEO of Foodbank NSW & ACT, John Robertson, CEO of Exchange for Change, Danielle Smalley, and general manager communications, customer & engagement at Tomra Cleanaway, Michelle Mandl.
Exchange For Change is the coordinator for the Return and Earn program, and Tomra Cleanaway acts as the network operator.
“At Foodbank, we believe everyone should have access to the food they need, and we are here for everyday Australians who are going without. We currently provide more than 26 million meals each year for those in urgent need,” said Robertson.
“Food insecurity doesn't discriminate, it can affect any of us at any time, and its continuing to impact people that have never been impacted before. Our crucial mission is to make food available to those who need it most, but we can’t do it without the support of our communities and partners.”
Until 21 April 2025, every eligible bottle and can donated to the Foodbank NSW & ACT appeal at a Return and Earn machine or on the Return and Earn app at participating points will raise 10c toward the $250,000 goal.
“The Foodbank appeal is an easy way for the NSW community to support this life-changing organisation to feed families in need,” said Smalley.
“Donating just five bottles or cans helps fund one meal, so I encourage everyone to get behind this cause and help us reach our target.”
The new Foodbank appeal builds on Return and Earn’s continued success in raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for families in need. The program has become a key fundraising channel for many charities and community groups across NSW.
Since the scheme launched in 2017, more than $62 million has been raised through donations and fees from hosting return points. In September, the program also hit a major milestone, recording 12 billion bottles, cans and cartons returned through the network over the seven years.
