Food Insecurity & Food Banks
Food insecurity in Australia
The Australian Government's Roadmap for halving Australia's food waste by 2030 estimates that over seven million tonnes of food are wasted in Australia each year. Meanwhile, the Foodbank Hunger Report for 2024 reveals that low-income households continue to experience historically high levels of food insecurity.
It’s a common misconception that food insecurity is limited to vulnerable groups such as people affected by homelessness and the unemployed. In reality, food insecurity affects people of every age, both in cities and regional or remote areas.
There are many reasons why people become food insecure. Low income, rental payments, or bill shock can cause food insecurity for individuals whether they live alone, in a family or in a share-house. You may be surprised to know that food insecurity affects more people who are in some form of employment than those who are unemployed. To learn more about food insecurity, read 'The Facts' on the Foodbank website.
Working with food rescue organisations
ALDI is committed to reducing food insecurity and supporting the donation of surplus food to those who need it most. That’s why we’re working with food rescue organisations like Foodbank and OzHarvest to do our part for the environment and support the community. Find out more below.
In 2024 we donated 11.8 million meals to people impacted by food insecurity through our Food Rescue Program with OzHarvest, Foodbank and local charities. You can read more in our 2024 Making Sustainability Affordable Report. Our stores and distribution centres are all connected with local food rescue organisations.
To learn more about our food rescue partners or to make a donation, visit their websites below.
We support food rescue organisations
ALDI works with food rescue organisations and food charities to get surplus food from our stores to the people who need it most. We are proud to work with Foodbank and OzHarvest.
Want to participate in our Food Rescue Program?
Visit our Food Rescue page to find out more or learn how to become an ALDI Food Rescue participant. If you’re an existing Food Rescue participant you can access program information, submit reporting or provide feedback via the Food Rescue page.
To become a program participant, you will be required to download, read and agree to our ALDI Participation Agreement and Guidelines, and to upload a valid copy of your Public Liability insurance certificate. Once your registration has been submitted it will be reviewed. If successful you will be connected to a store.
Please do not approach a store for food rescue activities without being assigned by the ALDI Food Rescue team. Registered organisations will also receive important and helpful information about food rescue activities.
Let’s minimise food insecurity
The Australian Institute of Family Studies* says the strategies required to address food insecurity are many and varied. These include policy interventions, local level collaborations, emergency food relief initiatives, school-based programs, and education.
Foodbank** estimates that wasted food is costing the Australian economy over $20 billion a year. Minimising food waste in the home positively impacts the environment and our economy.
Learn more about how you can make a difference and see some easy tips you can try next time you’re making dinner, on our Zero Waste at Home page.
**https://www.foodbank.org.au/harvard-research-addresses-food-waste/?state=wa