Adelaide Oval and OzHarvest join forces to help South Australians experiencing food insecurity
Adelaide Oval and OzHarvest are partnering to produce 1000 meals each week to help many South Australians who are experiencing food insecurity during the coronavirus pandemic.
Adelaide Oval has been donating food to OzHarvest since 2013, but this new initiative takes the partnership one step further. It will see a team of up to six Adelaide Oval chefs cooking meals made from rescued food from OzHarvest, which they will then distribute to registered charities and community organisations in the local area.
“The impact of coronavirus has hit hard for many of us in South Australia,” said Adelaide Oval Executive Chef Philip Pope.
“Food insecurity in particular is a real issue being faced in our community and we are incredibly proud and humbled to be able to work with OzHarvest to try and alleviate some of that stress.
“The combination of OzHarvest’s strong food rescue network and logistical capabilities with our talented chefs and commercial kitchen facilities make this a very effective collaboration. We are very excited about working together to make a difference for many people doing it tough at the moment.
“It’s also worth noting the JobKeeper scheme is playing a part in this initiative by enabling us to bring back our chefs to be involved. Not only has it meant that have they been able to retain their jobs, but they’re now also able to help with a fantastic cause that will mean a lot to so many.”
OzHarvest SA State Manager Lyndall Vandenberg said while food donations have increased in the last few weeks, it’s still not enough to meet the increasing demand.
“Food relief is at an all-time high and many of the charities we deliver to have been forced to close. Those still operating are seeing double and sometimes triple the demand, so being able to provide a regular supply of cooked meals will go a long way to help many families struggling to put food on the table,” she said.
“This partnership is about true community spirit, where two important local organisations are working together to help and support vulnerable people in South Australia.
“At a time when resources are more limited than ever, support from high profile organisations like Adelaide Oval enables us to continue our work at the frontline during these uncertain times.”
