Woolworths has struck deals to ensure 100 per cent of its stores will divert unsold food

Woolworths has announced a significant milestone that will help millions of Australians who are struggling to afford meals.

Woolworths says it has dramatically reduced wastage after adopting a plan to ensure all stores in its national network have a deal to divert unsold food.

The supermarket giant announced on Tuesday that 100 per cent of the business now had active food waste programs in place to combat the $20 billion national issue.

Leftover food will now be sent to hunger-relief charity partners, farmers to be used as feed or commercial organic composting rather than just rotting in landfill.

Leftover food goes to OzHarvest to help feed less fortunate Aussies.

“Food is meant to be eaten, not thrown,” Woolworths head of sustainability Adrian Cullen said.

“Which is why together with our customers, our farmers and our community partners, we’re working to keep good food out of landfill.

“This is not a new journey for us — we’ve been working hard at this for the last decade, and we are excited to hit a milestone ahead of World Environment Day that 100 per cent of our stores now have a food waste diversion program in place.”

Bit of green for this handsome goat.

Mr Cullen said Woolworths had invested time and money to train staff and buy equipment to distribute the food, with more than 55,000 tonnes of food avoiding landfill and creating 10 million meals for Australians in need.

“Working with our partners OzHarvest, Foodbank and Fareshare to feed Australians who would otherwise go hungry is our number one priority when it comes to diverting food from our stores,” he said.

Look, he’s loving it!

“We then work with local farmers so that surplus food, which cannot go to hunger relief, is used as stock feed for animals or for on-farm composting.

“This helps us further reduce and repurpose bakery and produce waste.”

More than 750 farmers and community groups around the country have joined the Woolworths Stock Feed for Farmers program, with 32,000 tonnes of leftover food being given as stock feed for animals in 2018.

Even the fish isn’t wasted.

The adorable animals at Tasmania Zoo have benefited from the deal since it opened its doors 15 years ago.

The zoo’s owner Rochelle Penney says her team collects several bins of unsold fruit, vegetables and bakery goods each day from Woolworths to use as feed for the furry residents.

“With over 100 different species of animals, all with variable nutritional needs, the support we receive from Woolies through the Stock Feed for Farmers program is invaluable,” she said.

“The program is enriching the lives of our animals and providing them the experience to taste a wide variety of produce.

“Importantly, the savings we make through the program enable us to continue our important conservation and education work, which includes breeding programs and caring for a number of critically endangered native and exotic species.”

Couldn’t resist including another photo.

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