McCain Foods is dedicating 24 hours of production at its Ballarat plant to Foodbank Australia, donating 81,600 meals as part of a nationwide effort to help families and individuals facing food insecurity.
New Foodbank data shows that 3.5 million households struggled to put food on the table in 2025. This marks the third consecutive year of collaboration between McCain and Foodbank through the Collaborative Supply Program, reflecting their shared commitment to supporting communities in need.
Across Australia, one in three households has experienced food insecurity in the past year, with the situation even more severe in regional Victoria, where 34 per cent of families are uncertain about their next meal.
On 11 November, staff at McCain’s Ballarat manufacturing plant will prepare meals for Foodbank as part of the Collaborative Supply Program, producing 81,600 limited-edition Pub Size BBQ Meatlovers Loaded Parmas valued at more than $775,000. The meal contains nearly 30 grams of protein and supports vital immune functions.
“It’s deeply rewarding to see our team once again rally behind local communities doing it tough,” said Effie Gorringe, McCain Foods supply chain director ANZ.
“At McCain we’re grateful to do just that through our partnership with Foodbank – turning our resources into something that makes a real, tangible difference.”
The company thanked suppliers including Vacupack, Graphic Packaging, Tegal and Opal for donating ingredients and packaging. All meals produced will be distributed locally and through Foodbank’s national network of more than 2,000 charities.
“We are so grateful for partnerships like the one we have with McCain and we’re so proud to be working with the team to help tackle this growing hunger crisis,” said Foodbank Australia CEO Kylea Tink.
“Our country produces enough food to feed the population three times over; we shouldn’t have a hunger problem.”