foodbank FEATURE

How WA producers are strengthening food security

Western Australian growers continue to play an essential role in strengthening local food security, not only through the food they produce but through their generosity toward community organisations such as Foodbank WA.

Words Foodbank WA

WITH 1 in 5 WA households facing days without food and more than 353,000 households experiencing hunger last year, the support of local farmers has never been more vital.

Foodbank WA’s mission to Feed. Educate. Advocate. enabled the delivery of 9.3 million meals across the state last financial year, providing crucial support to families, schools and community organisations navigating rising living costs. Since 2019, the demand for Foodbank WA services has grown by 238% reflecting the increasing pressure felt across Western Australian communities.

Thanks to the ongoing support of WA growers, Foodbank WA was able to distribute more than one million kilograms of free fruit and vegetables to households in 2025. This fresh produce had a direct and immediate impact on families who rely on access to healthy food.

This impact has been made possible through the continued generosity of growers across the state, including long-standing supporters in the South West who have remained committed despite facing rising production costs, labour shortages and increasingly unpredictable seasonal conditions. Their resilience ensures that families doing it tough can still access nourishing food.

As demand continues to rise, many growers are navigating significant operational and environmental pressures and some long-standing partners have stepped back from farming. This makes new donor support even more important. It was especially heartening to welcome fresh contributions from Carnarvon growers who recently donated more than 1,168 kilograms of Butternut and Kent pumpkins. Their generosity is helping ensure more Western Australians can enjoy nutritious meals made with high quality locally grown produce.

Every grower contribution helps deliver comfort and care across both regional and metropolitan communities. Importantly, fruit and vegetables are provided free for Foodbank WA clients, ensuring that healthy fresh produce remains accessible to those who need it most. This support is particularly critical for the 120,000 children living in severely food insecure households, whose health and development rely on consistent access to nutritious food.

WA growers currently donate around 90 tonnes of fresh produce each month, but to meet growing demand Foodbank WA is seeking an additional 15 tonnes of vegetables and 16 tonnes of fruit per month.

Surplus or imperfect produce, regardless of size, shape or minor blemishes, is always welcomed. These donations support sustainability goals and help build the next generation of fruit and vegetable consumers by ensuring families have access to healthy food.

As economic pressures persist, the combined efforts of WA growers and Foodbank WA highlight the extraordinary impact of regional generosity. Every crate donated helps nourish communities, reduce waste and build a more food secure future for Western Australia.