Food relief: Tax reform needed as demand for food banks across Australia soars

Leading food relief charities have welcomed a tax reform which would help tackle food insecurity in Australia and families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

Second Bite has welcomed the new tax reform. Images supplied

A long-overdue change to Australia’s tax system is poised to unlock tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetables for Australians struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

If legislation is passed by the federal parliament next week, the National Food Donation Tax Incentive could potentially lead to 100 million extra meals by 2030.

Western Australian Senator Dean Smith will table a Private Bill next week to introduce this measure, aimed at combating the cost-of-living crisis and contributing to Australia’s commitment to halve food waste by 2030.

Second Bite have welcomed the tax reform. Picture: supplied

Foodbank, SecondBite, and OzHarvest have welcomed this tax reform, which would incentivise food businesses, including farmers, producers, wholesalers, transporters, and food logistics companies, to donate surplus food and services for food relief.

Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey, highlighted the paradox of families struggling to afford food while tonnes of edible food are wasted annually.

“We have families unable to put food on the table despite tonnes of perfectly edible food being dumped or ploughed in each year. We know that households under financial pressure have been forced to reduce, or even remove, their spend on fresh fruit and vegetables and protein, meaning demand for these products at food banks across Australia has skyrocketed.”

OzHarvest CEO, James Goth, agreed there was unprecedented demand for food relief.

Oz Harvest delivery vans are busier than ever. Picture: Supplied

“Demand for food relief is at an highest and our charities are telling us they are struggling to cope with the ongoing increase in numbers. This bill has the potential to get edible food off farms and onto the plates of those who need it most, addressing food security and food waste simultaneously. It’s crucial for politicians to recognise this need in the community and unite to implement this reform.”

Demand for food relief is at an all-time-high. Picture: Glenn Hampson

SecondBite CEO, Daniel Moorfield said the charity was committed to working with the government to ensure the successful implementation of this tax incentive.

The tax incentive has garnered widespread endorsement from the Australian food industry and has been successfully implemented in countries like France, Canada, and the United States.