Supermarkets and charities ramp up efforts to feed people during the pandemic

Throughout the pandemic, many people doing it tough have Woolworths manager Marjan Shatu to thank for putting dinner on the table.

Throughout the pandemic, many people doing it tough have Marjan Shatu to thank for putting dinner on the table.

Since March last year, the dedicated service manager at Woolworths Auburn has been busily packing groceries and rounding up a trolley full of non-perishable foods and canned products to be donated to Penny Appeal Australia — which turned them into food packs and distributed them to the nation’s disadvantaged.

And thanks to their continuing efforts, fewer Australians are going hungry.

Marjan Shatu, a Woolworths Auburn team member, contributes to the Penny Appeal charity by rounding up a trolley full of groceries each week to be donated. Picture: Christian Gilles

“During the pandemic, we were able to provide Penny Appeal with staple items as required,” Ms Shatu said. “I was personally organising necessity items every week for them and we tried our best to provide at least one full stock trolley.”

Ms Shatu, who has been nominated for News Corp Australia’s Thanks A Million campaign, believes it’s fulfilling when you know someone will be going home to have some dinner.

“It’s our responsibility to look after our locals and those are in need, and it feels great to be able to be a part of a good deed,” she said.

Penny Appeal Australia community liaison officer Dena Abdel-Fatah said Ms Shatu has been ever diligent to ensure the community was well fed.

“Marjan has a heart of gold and always volunteers her time to donate food from the supermarket,” she said.

“Without the support of Woolworths, we wouldn’t have been able to reach hundreds of disadvantaged households.”

Last year, Penny Appeal Australia delivered over 3000 meals to frontliners, struggling families, refugees, women in domestic violence, seniors and international students.

“Putting food on the table is a privilege that many people take for granted, and a simple donation by shoppers will benefit those who have a need now or through the year,” Ms Abdel-Fatah said.

To nominate someone and say thanks, go to thanksamillion.net.au and they could receive a $200 Woolworths Gift Card. Terms and conditions apply.