Jarrahdale community benefits from Alcoa Foodbank WA partnership

Local families will continue to benefit from emergency food relief provided by Foodbank WA thanks to additional funding provided by Alcoa’s Huntly Bauxite Mine.

The funding will enable Foodbank WA to distribute 120 hampers across a three-month period to individuals and families in need across the Jarrahdale community.

The partnership follows a purpose built, locally targeted campaign delivered by the Alcoa Foundation, Foodbank WA and Anglicare WA last year to help people across a number of communities deal with the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.

Foodbank WA CEO Greg Hebble said “Alcoa is a great example of how corporate businesses continue to support the communities where they operate beyond the initial spike of COVID-19. Foodbank WA is delighted to be part of this collaboration to support the needs of the most vulnerable families as we continue to be there to help in times of greatest need.”

Alcoa’s Huntly Mine Manager Brett Hodges said the resources company was happy to provide additional support for local families who continue to do it tough in difficult times.

“We understand that people across our host communities continue to face challenges as a result of COVID-19. We are delighted to be able to provide practical support through emergency food relief hampers that will provide families with essential food and groceries, including fresh fruit and vegetables to make nutritious meals,” Brett said.

With Government support packages reducing or ending, rising rent prices and the mortgage embargo ceasing, local welfare agencies are already reporting an increase in demand with food assistance being the highest need.

This initiative will ensure local families have food on the table and one less thing to worry about.

The initiative was launched just before Easter, with the support of Serpentine-Jarrahdale Community Resource Centre and the Jarrahdale Community Collective eager to play a key role in the distribution of these hampers.

If you need help or know someone who does, please free-call The Emergency Relief & Food Assistance Hotline on 1800 979 777, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

Media contact: Community Relations Lead Beth Butler, 0404 800 363, beth.butler@alcoa.com