The Great Dolmio Cookoff, in partnership with Sodexo and Foodbank, has successfully concluded, with the team cooking more than 7,000 meals for those in need on the NSW Central Coast – demonstrating the ongoing commitment to supporting the local community.
Taking place from 14 to 17 October, the event coincided with World Food Day on 16 October—a global call to action against hunger.
Foodbank Hunger Report 2024 revealed 3.4 million Australian households are experiencing food insecurity, including 2 million who are experiencing severe food insecurity1. To continue supporting the local community, Dolmio converted its R&D kitchen at its Central Coast production facility into a meal-prepping hub, where over 100 volunteers from Dolmio, Sodexo, Foodbank and Coast Shelter worked tirelessly to prepare nutritious and delicious spaghetti Bolognese meals.
Bill Heague, General Manager of Mars Food & Nutrition Australia, said that the Great Dolmio Cookoff is an important initiative. “This year, we are thrilled to have cooked more than 7,000 meals for people facing food insecurity in our local community. A spaghetti Bolognese is one of Australia’s favourite meals. However, sadly we know from the Foodbank Hunger Report that there are many people out there who aren’t able to enjoy it. That’s why Dolmio – and our passionate Associates – are once again proud to have partnered with Sodexo and Foodbank to cook up meals to support people here on the Central Coast.”
Sodexo, a global leader in sustainable food, hospitality, and facilities management services was actively involved in providing operational support and supplied essential ingredients for the 7,000 plus meals.
Keith Weston, Managing Director of Sodexo Australia, emphasised their commitment to the cause. “We are proud to have teamed up with Dolmio and Foodbank again to meet the growing need for food relief nationwide. As the cost of living continues to rise, it’s more critical than ever that we come together to support those who need it most. We want to be part of the solution to end hunger within our communities. This vision is only possible through collaboration with our clients, suppliers and charity partners. As part of our global Stop Hunger initiative to fight food insecurity, we have pledged to donate one million meals to the communities we are proud to serve in Australia by 2030.” he said.
The teams prepared delicious and nutritious spaghetti Bolognese meals, both beef and vegetarian, using fresh ingredients, including Dolmio Bolognese sauce.
Brianna Casey AM, CEO of Foodbank Australia, highlighted the importance of such initiatives. “We are facing an unprecedented demand for food relief, and initiatives like the Great Dolmio Cookoff help us get food on the table to the many people doing it so tough right now. The continued support from Mars Food & Nutrition Australia and Sodexo enables us to deliver meals where they are needed most, and the cooking of more than 7,000 meals showcases their commitment to making a difference.”
References
1 https://reports.foodbank.org.au/foodbank-hunger-report-2024/
About Mars Food & Nutrition Australia
Mars Food & Nutrition Australia has been creating healthy, easy, affordable and tasty meal solutions for Australians since 1967. Based on the NSW Central Coast at Wyong, Mars Food & Nutrition Australia manufactures more than 500 products ranging from mustards to flavoured sauces, marinades, ready to heat rice, recipe bases, herbs and spices, relishes and pasta sauce across its brands – Dolmio, MasterFoods, Ben’s Original, Kantong and Promite.
For more information visit www.mars.com.
About Sodexo In Australia
Sodexo in Australia employs a diverse workforce of over 5,000 employees. Sodexo delivers a unique array of over 100 integrated services lines, including cleaning, catering, facilities management, aerodrome services, concierge, security, asset and building maintenance and hospitality services in the following segments: Corporate Strategic Accounts and Energy & Resources, both on and offshore.
For more information, visit www.au.sodexo.com
About Foodbank
At Foodbank we believe everyone should have access to good food. We’re here for the everyday Australians who are going without. We are working hard to change that. In Australia we work with 2,844 frontline charities and 3,792 school breakfast programs to get over 92 million meals out to those who could use a hand.
For more information, please visit www.foodbank.org.au.
Enjoy reading Eco Voice? Please help us by purchasing a GIFT Voucher or send one to a friend and encourage people to purchase trees or seeds via The Native Shop – www.nativeshop.com.au
Plants, seeds & more delivered to your door!
www.nativeshop.com.au
Advertisement
