Return and Earn teams up with Foodbank NSW & ACT to support families in need

Return and Earn has partnered with food relief organisation Foodbank NSW & ACT to raise $250,000 to help fund half a million meals to feed families in need this summer. 

The six-month recycling appeal was launched this week at a Return and Earn machine in Eastern Creek, alongside John Robertson, CEO of Foodbank NSW & ACT, Danielle Smalley, CEO of Exchange for Change, scheme coordinator for Return and Earn and Michelle Mandl, General Manager, Communications, Customer & Engagement at TOMRA Cleanaway, network operator for Return and Earn.

Foodbank NSW & ACT is the state and territory’s largest and most trusted food relief organisation, providing much needed food assistance to individuals and families across NSW and the ACT.

 “At Foodbank, we believe everyone should have access to the food they need, and we are here for everyday Australians who are going without. We currently provide more than 26 million meals each year for those in urgent need,” said Mr. Robertson. 

This year’s Foodbank Hunger Report reveals food insecurity in Australia has reached a critical point, with one in three NSW households facing hunger. This equates to one million households facing food-insecurity in NSW alone, with 75 per cent of households saying cost of living is the primary cause. 

“Food insecurity doesn’t discriminate, it can affect any of us at any time, and its continuing to impact people that have never been impacted before. Our crucial mission is to make food available to those who need it most, but we can’t do it without the support of our communities and partners,” Mr. Robertson said.

 From now until 21 April 2025, every eligible bottle and can donated to the Foodbank NSW & ACT appeal at a Return and Earn machine or on the Return and Earn app at participating return points, will raise 10c toward the $250,000 goal to support their important work.

“The Foodbank appeal is an easy way for the NSW community to support this life-changing organisation to feed families in need.

“Donating just five bottles or cans helps fund one meal, so I encourage everyone to get behind this cause and help us reach our target of $250,000,” said Ms Smalley.

The new Foodbank appeal builds on Return and Earn’s continued success in raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for families in need.

Clare Pearson, CEO of children’s charity Little Wings, was at the event today as the recent Return and Earn donation appeal partner. Their six-month fundraising campaign ended on 20 October and raised close to $200,000.

“Return and Earn has grown to become an important part of the Little Wings service. Helping us fuel our planes and make a positive difference in the lives of seriously ill children and families residing in regional and remote NSW.

“The money raised in this campaign will have an important impact on the lives of hundreds of children by giving them access to life-saving treatments in major city hospitals. We are so grateful for the support and belief in the Little Wings mission by Return and Earn and recyclers in communities across NSW,” said Pearson.

“I would like to congratulate Little Wings for its fundraising efforts, including setting up partnerships with schools and businesses who collect containers and donate the refunds to charity,” Ms. Smalley said.

Return and Earn has become a key fundraising channel for many charities and community groups across NSW. Since the scheme launched in 2017, more than $62 million has been raised through donations and fees from hosting return points.

“Thank you to Return and Earn and to the people of NSW for supporting the Foodbank appeal this summer and our mission to end hunger,” said Mr. Roberston. 

Return and Earn is a partnership between the NSW Government, scheme coordinator Exchange for Change and network operator TOMRA Cleanaway.

For more information visit www.returnandearn.org.au.