Local families benefit from COVID-19 relief partnership

Foodbank WA, Linfox and Alcoa delivered 2,325 emergency hampers to families in need over the last eight months.

A purpose-built, locally targeted campaign to help people across a number of communities deal with the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic over the past eight months has delivered 13,950 meals to families doing it tough.

Since May, funding provided by the Alcoa Foundation has enabled Foodbank WA to distribute 2,325 emergency hampers containing essential supplies to hundreds of families and individuals in need across the Kwinana, Peel and Upper South West regions.

Linfox Logistics transported the hampers at no cost to various agencies across these communities, meaning more funds could be directed toward food relief.

The initiative forms part of Alcoa’s broader partnership with Foodbank WA and Anglicare WA to help communities where the resources company operates. This covers the local government areas of Kwinana, Murray and Waroona and parts of Serpentine-Jarrahdale and Harvey.

Through its global charity the Alcoa Foundation, Alcoa donated about $420,000 to ensure local people had food on their table as well as access to important support services for things like mental health, accommodation, dealing with domestic violence, and financial and family counselling

Alcoa Corporate Affairs Manager Suellen Jerrard thanked Foodbank WA and Linfox for their efforts along with and local welfare organisations for storing the hampers and making them available to those most in need.

Foodbank WA CEO Greg Hebble said “collaboration is the key if we are going to work towards our vision to end hunger in WA by 2030. This partnership is a great example of working together to achieve positive and impactful results to those most in need.”

“We know the impact of the pandemic will have far reaching and long-term impacts on families here in WA. Alcoa and Linfox Logistics have helped us deliver emergency hampers to people doing it particularly tough when they most needed it.,” Mr Hebble said.

Anyone needing help can call 1800 979 777 for support from Foodbank WA and 1300 114 446 for Anglicare WA.

Media contact: Claire Honey, claire.honey@alcoa.com, 9557 4090