Launch Of Woolworths Fresh Food Rescue Campaign 2010 1

Launch of Woolworths Fresh Food Rescue Campaign 2010

* Announcement of national campaign to assist with food relief
* Target of two million meals for Australians in need
* $2 million grants scheme for food relief charities

EMBARGOED UNTIL January 22, 2010: Woolworths supermarkets, together with the Hon Jenny Macklin MP, Federal Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, is today launching a year long campaign to rescue a record amount of surplus food from the waste stream and turn it into meals for the needy. With a target to provide two million meals for those in need and $2 million for those who serve them, this extensive program will help address an underlying social problem in Australia.

Each year households, retailers, restaurants and businesses throw out millions of tonnes of food which then finds its way into landfill sites. Although not always fit for sale, much of it is good quality and could easily be rescued and turned into nutritious, healthy meals for the needy or vulnerable in our society.

WHAT: Launch of Woolworths Food Rescue Campaign
WHEN: 9:30am, Friday 22 January 2010
WHERE: Woolworths Victoria Harbour
63-93 Merchant Street, Docklands (Melbourne), Victoria
WHO:
* Federal Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, The Hon Jenny Macklin MP
* Woolworths Director of Supermarkets, Greg Foran
* Fare Share CEO, Marcus Godinho
* OzHarvest Founding Director, Ronni Kahn
* SecondBite Program Manager, Russell Shields
* Foodbank CEO, John Webster

VISION: Woolworths staff collecting surplus food from shelves, arrival of food relief collection van, loading of food and delivery to food relief kitchen.

CONTACTS:

For further information please contact Clare Buchanan on 0404 829 033 or the Woolworths Press Office on
(02) 8885 1033.

Please note that interviews and photo opportunities are available in all States and Territories. A media release will follow with full details.

SOURCE: Woolworths