Putting Food on the Table: Why ALAND Foundation Stands With Foodbank NSW & ACT to Tackle Hunger in NSW and ACT

Nov 10, 2025

Aussies are feeling the pinch. Cost-of-living pressures, especially housing, are pushing more families into food insecurity across NSW and the ACT. The Foodbank Hunger Report 2025 reveals that one in three Australian households, nearly 3.5 million, experienced food insecurity in the past year. Even more alarming, 20% of households reported skipping meals or going entire days without eating.

Why ALAND Foundation Stands With Foodbank NSW & ACT to

Source: Foodbank NSW & ACT Hunger Report 2025

The ALAND Foundation exists to help here with a mission to support communities through practical programs and partnerships. One of our core initiatives is a long-term partnership with Foodbank NSW & ACT, focused on getting nutritious food to people who need it most.

A Nation Struggling to Eat

Food insecurity is not a fringe issue. Millions of Australians are skipping meals or reducing nutrition because money is tight. Rising rents and mortgage costs mean many households are forced to choose between paying for housing or buying groceries. The reality is simple: when housing costs spike, food is often the first thing families cut back on, even when it affects health and wellbeing.

The Foodbank Hunger Report 2025 shows just how serious the situation has become. Only one in five Australians say they’re living comfortably on their current income, and more than a third are struggling to make ends meet. For many, even a small financial setback can mean going without food.

More than half of food-insecure households (61%) are severely impacted, families are skipping meals, cutting back on nutrition, or going whole days without food.

John Robertson, CEO of Foodbank NSW & ACT and ALAND Foundation Board Member, summed it up: “We’re seeing double-income families with mortgages fronting up at our community partners looking for support. That is something that we’ve never seen before.” [2]

When Housing Costs Push Families to the Brink

The link between housing and hunger is undeniable. When rent or mortgage payments take up more of a household’s income, there’s less left for essentials like food. As housing costs rise, families are forced to make impossible choices – cutting back on groceries to keep a roof over their heads. Nearly half of renting households (48%) now experience food insecurity, with housing costs identified as one of the biggest pressures on family budgets [1]. The result is fewer meals, less nutrition, and growing hardship across the region.

John Robertson, CEO of Foodbank NSW & ACT and ALAND Foundation Board Member, explains it clearly: “Housing costs are pushing people to the brink. When rent goes up or interest rates increase, food is often one of the first things sacrificed. We’re seeing people make impossible choices between paying for housing or putting food on the table.” [1]

Working Together for Change

In late 2024, the ALAND Foundation partnered with Foodbank NSW & ACT with a commitment to deliver 100,000 meals each year across the region [4]. This partnership is about action, helping ensure every person has access to basic human rights like food, education, and safe housing through collective community effort.

Our partnership with Foodbank NSW & ACT is long-term by design. Foodbank has the infrastructure, relationships, and logistics to move large volumes of food efficiently. The Foundation brings financial support, volunteers, and advocacy to help scale that impact. Together, we focus on three things:

Immediate relief: Funding to source, pack, and distribute meals where demand is highest across NSW and the ACT.
Community participation: Regular ALAND volunteer shifts at Foodbank NSW & ACT Glendenning facility, where our volunteers help prepare hampers and learn firsthand about the needs of local communities.
Awareness and mobilisation: Campaigns that reduce the stigma of asking for help and invite people to donate or volunteer.

These efforts remind us that everyone deserves stability, dignity, and nourishment.

Giving Day 2025: Results that moved the dial

In 2025, Foodbank NSW & ACT hosted its first Giving Day, a milestone event with one simple goal: to make sure no family went hungry at Christmas. The ALAND Foundation proudly joined Foodbank NSW & ACT as a Giving Day partner, matching every donation dollar for dollar made on 25 September and joining the action on the ground. Our volunteers rolled up their sleeves at Foodbank’s Glendenning facility to pack hampers and share the spirit of giving firsthand.

The results were inspiring: what began as a goal to provide 10,000 hampers was surpassed before lunchtime. By the end of the day, more than $739,000 was raised – funding 19,447 hampers for families across NSW and the ACT [5]. These results show what is possible when charities, community members and supporters work together.

“We’re very proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Foodbank NSW & ACT” says Andrew Hrsto, Owner and Founder of ALAND.

Dignity first

Food insecurity carries stigma, and that shame can stop people from reaching out for help. No one should feel embarrassed about needing support. Asking for food relief isn’t a failure – it’s an act of care for yourself and your family.

“We’ve really got to work hard on breaking down that stigma. A decade ago, we started that conversation about mental health – we need to do the same thing about food insecurity. Once again, people are too quick to judge,” says John Robertson.

Through our partnership with Foodbank NSW & ACT, we back services that lead with compassion, offer nutritious food, and provide a safe, welcoming environment.

What Your Support Achieves

Every dollar counts in food relief. Foodbank NSW & ACT can provide 2 meals for each dollar donated thanks to national supply chains and industry partnerships. Here’s what your support helps fund:

Nutritious meals and hampers for families, seniors, and young people in crisis.
Fuel and logistics to get food from warehouses to local charities, schools, and community hubs.
Volunteer coordination and training so more help reaches more people.
Awareness campaigns that connect people with services earlier and reduce stigma.

“Even the smallest donation makes a difference. Foodbank will provide two free meals for every $1 donated – so think about the thousands of people who can be fed! Now is the time to pitch in financially or by volunteering your time. Together, we can make a difference.” Andrew Hrsto, ALAND Owner and Founder. [3]

Our Commitment

Hunger and housing stress are two sides of the same affordability coin. ALAND Foundation will continue to support Foodbank NSW & ACT with annual meal commitments, matched giving where possible, and ongoing volunteering. We’ll keep advocating for dignity-led support and stronger community networks so that fewer families fall through the cracks.

As we look ahead, the ALAND Foundation will expand charitable collaborations that address both urgent needs and root causes. Our aim is simple: every family, no matter their postcode, should be able to put a wholesome meal on the table.

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