FOLLOWING what has been a difficult year for many Australians, Woolworths across NSW is encouraging customers to give back to people in need this Christmas, through its annual OzHarvest Christmas Appeal.

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Research from Foodbank’s Hunger Report revealed a significant increase in the number of Australians seeking food relief and support as a result of the pandemic, with 3 in 10 Australians experiencing food insecurity for the first time whilst the number of Australians seeking food support at least once a week has doubled to 31% when compared to 2019.

2020 marks Woolworths’ twelfth year of support for Australian food rescue organisation OzHarvest, and Woolworths’ 6th annual OzHarvest Christmas Fundraising Appeal, with this year’s goal to raise $3 million dollars which will provide six million meals to Aussies in need.

Woolworths kickstarted the Appeal with a $500,000 donation.

From now until December 24, customers at Woolworths Nelson Bay and Woolworths Salamander Bay who spend over $30 at the self-checkout will have the option to make a donation to the Appeal by rounding-up the cost of their shop to the nearest dollar.

Customers can also choose to make a 50 cent donation when they shop, with each donation helping to provide one nutritious meal to a person in need.

OzHarvest State Manager New South Wales, Richard Watson said, “The ongoing financial and economic impacts of COVID-19 means more Australians are experiencing food insecurity than ever, with many going without a meal at Christmas time.

“We’re asking Woolworths Nelson Bay and Woolworths Salamander Bay customers to show their generosity by donating to this year’s OzHarvest Christmas Appeal to help keep our wheels turning and provide vital food relief this holiday season and beyond.

“This fantastic appeal will help provide six million meals to Aussies in need.”

With the pandemic, devastating bushfires and drought affecting so many Australians in 2020, new research by Woolworths found that more than 40 percent of Aussies believe it is more important to give back this year than in 2019.

Woolworths Nelson Bay and Woolworths Salamander Bay Group Manager, Leisa Tynan said, “As Woolworths Nelson Bay and Woolworths Salamander Bay customers get ready to celebrate Christmas, it’s important to remember those in the community who will be doing it tough this season.

“We’re always amazed by the generosity of our customers and we’re encouraging those who are in a position to help to donate and help make a real difference to those who need it most.”

Woolworths is also bringing back its popular limited-edition Santa Cookies which will be available in store from 25 November 2020.

50 cents from every packet sold will go to OzHarvest to help the charity feed Australians in need.

Woolworths has partnered with OzHarvest since 2008 to help reduce food waste by providing surplus fresh food from their supermarkets to Aussies who would otherwise go without.