SPC joined forces with Foodbank, Australia’s largest food relief charity, to combat food insecurity among vulnerable individuals and families.
The collaboration, supported by Visy and Rinoldi, led to the production of 230,000 cans of spaghetti and tomatoes at the SPC factory in Shepparton, aiming to provide essential pantry staples to those in need.
SPC chair Hussein Rifai expressed the company’s commitment to supporting Australia’s vulnerable communities.
“Australians are experiencing some of the most insecure and stressful times in history, as we continue to recover from the global pandemic and navigate through ongoing strain from increases in cost of living,” he said.
“SPC is proud to continuously dedicate our time and resources to support some of Australia’s most vulnerable individuals and families, now, more than ever.”
As part of SPC’s mission to deliver ‘Better Food for the Future’, it contributed resources and efforts to initiatives such as the Foodbank Collaborative Supply Program.
While SPC has been a long-time supporter of the program, this year, the company elevated awareness by hosting an official gathering at the Shepparton factory.
The event welcomed representatives from Foodbank and the food can division of Visy.
During the exclusive tour of the factory, Foodbank chief executive Brianna Casey expressed her gratitude for SPC and the collaborative partners’ ongoing support.
“In 2022, SPC donated 67,300kg of tinned tomatoes and spaghetti for Foodbank’s Collaborative Supply Program and with the support of SPC, Foodbank sourced 82 million kilograms of food and relief groceries for vulnerable Australians,” she said.
“Without amazing partners such as SPC, Rinoldi and Visy, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do — help put food on the table for the more than one million Aussies we help every month.”
Ms Casey said the impact of food insecurity had evolved beyond the stereotypical image of people on the street, affecting individuals from various walks of life, including those with mortgages and double-income families.
Visy general manager Brian Thiele also attended the initiative, emphasising Visy’s commitment to support the Foodbank program at SPC for another year.
“The cans donated by Visy will contribute to the final volume of 230,000 filled units provided to Foodbank to support the delivery of meals to those in need,” Mr Thiele said.