All Aussies should be able to share a special meal this Christmas

Christmas is a special time, but we can’t forget those who are doing it tough this holiday season, writes Coles CEO Steven Cain.

We all looking forward to a very special Christmas. After almost two years of dislocation and separation, families and friends will again have the opportunity to celebrate together.

This is the time of year we at Coles love the most, helping Australians come together to prepare their tables. But it’s important that we also recognise and acknowledge the perseverance and resilience our customers, team and suppliers have shown to get us to where we are today.

We are grateful to every person who has worn a mask, sanitised their hands, used QR codes to check in, socially distanced, got tested when they needed to, were vaccinated when they were able to, home schooled, worked from home, stayed at home, and helped vulnerable Australians.

As retailers, we keep a close eye on what our customers need and want; this year togetherness is on top of the Christmas wishlist.

Coles CEO Steven Cain at Coles Kitchen in Melbourne. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images for Coles

When we recently surveyed almost 7500 of our customers about the festive season, 59 per cent said they were looking forward to being around people and celebrating together, up 6 per cent from last year. Only 10 per cent said “having some normality” was important to them today, down from about 30 per cent last year.

Many of our customers reported they had made progress on the key elements of a happier, healthier life, with increased feelings of gratitude, positive changes in lifestyle, and improvements in their home environment and relationships.

As a part of the Australian community for 107 years, we have seen how the simple act of sharing a meal provides a connection both in times of need and of celebration.

Little wonder then that 64 per cent of our customers say food is their favourite part of Christmas festivities. I know it is at my house!

But it’s important we don’t forget those Australians who are doing it tough and might go without this Christmas, which is why I am incredibly proud of Coles’ partnership with food rescue organisation SecondBite.

Coles has been supporting food rescue organisation SecondBite for 10 years. SecondBite founders Ian and Simone Carson have witnessed a huge uptick in demand for food charity through the Covid-19 pandemic.

When we first began supporting SecondBite 10 years ago, it was a groundbreaking partnership among supermarkets to reduce food waste and help feed vulnerable members of our community.

Since 2011, Coles and its customers have helped SecondBite to provide the equivalent of

160 million meals for Aussies in need. Each year, more than 800 Coles supermarkets and distribution centres donate unsold, edible food to 1400 food relief and community organisations.

I wish you and your families a great Christmas and holiday season.

Steven Cain is CEO of Coles

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