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Almost half a million jars of VEGEMITE for families in need

VEGEMITE, is proud to be supporting Foodbank by supplying 436,000 150g VEGEMITE jars with assistance from its partners to help communities facing food insecurity.

This has been made possible through Foodbank’s Collaborative Supply Program and will make 13 million serves of VEGEMITE available for Aussies in need.

This program works to establish regular supply of everyday foods such as VEGEMITE which has been a mainstay in Aussie diets since 1923 when it was first created using spent brewer’s yeast from Carlton & United Breweries (CUB).

Now, more than a century later, CUB and its parent company Asahi Beverages are still providing the yeast in VEGEMITE and are key supporters of this Foodbank initiative through the donation of their yeast.

“VEGEMITE has played an important role in the lives of Australians for over 100 years,” said Darryn Wallace, executive general manager (Retail, Marketing, Sales, and Partnerships) at Bega Group.

“We’re delighted to be continuing this role for Aussies in need, ensuring they have access to one of their favourite brekky spreads.”

According to the Foodbank Hunger Report 2023, 3.7 million households in Australia experienced food insecurity in the past 12 months, and 77 per cent of those households experiencing food insecurity did so for the first time.

It’s more important than ever to assist Foodbank in making their ‘surprise chain’ more predictable through the generosity of Aussie food manufacturers, such as VEGEMITE.

“We’re so proud to be providing more than 13 million serves of VEGEMITE through our partnership with Foodbank. We hope the limited-edition lid sticker shines a light on Foodbank’s great work across Australia and encourages those who can, to donate as well,” said Wallace.

The 436,000 jars, supplied through VEGEMITE’s involvement with Foodbank’s Collaborative Supply Program have just arrived at Foodbank Victoria in Yarraville, ready to be distributed to the nation-wide network.

“Like my household, VEGEMITE is a kitchen staple for many Aussies. We want to ensure this much-loved spread is readily available for the many people in our communities doing it tough,” said Brianna Casey AM, Foodbank Australia CEO.

“With VEGEMITE part of our Collaborative Supply Program it ensures a regular supply of this pantry favourite.”

VEGEMITE is owned by Bega Group, and the company has a long-standing partnership with Foodbank, providing a range of products from its portfolio for many years.

VEGEMITE’s generous supply of 436,000 additional jars to its annual contribution will assist Foodbank in meeting the increase in demand for food relief.

The ability to supply these jars takes a mitey effort all along the supply chain, including VEGEMITE’s friends at CUB and Asahi Beverages, who have donated one of the core ingredients of Australia’s iconic VEGEMITE, yeast. As a key supporter, Asahi will donate 8,000 kg of solid yeast for use in these special jars.

“Our Abbotsford Brewery has provided the yeast in VEGEMITE since it was first sold back in 1923,” said Sarah Laing, head brewer at the Abbotsford Brewery.

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