Nestlé $4.5million of food to charity

Media Release
11 August 2010
 

Nestlé NZ donates food worth over $4.5million to charity

As the mercury continues to fall around the country, New Zealanders head indoors and look for new ways to keep warm; however a hot meal is simply not an option for many people.

The Salvation Army is often inundated with requests for food parcels and assistance at this time of year, and while many FMCG companies help fill The Salvation Army’s food stocks, Nestlé NZ leads the way.

In 2008 and 2009, Nestlé donated over $2 million worth of food to The Salvation Army alone. So far in 2010 Nestlé has already donated in excess of $400,000 of stock.

Manager of Corporate Services Maurice Gunnell says Nestlé is proud to support The Salvation Army and other food charity services.

“From the beginning of 2008 Nestlé has given away over $4.5 million worth of stock to The Salvation Army, the City Mission and 0800HUNGRY, helping those in need of food parcels.”

The Salvation Army spokesperson Major Robbie Ross says it is this sort of generosity that helps keep the Salvation Army going.

“The Salvation Army is thrilled to have the long-standing support of Nestlé, especially through the cold winter months when demand on The Salvation Army typically increases.

“Nestlé has assisted The Salvation Army at times when we have needed it most. Since the recession officially began, in the first quarter of 2008, to March 2010, the number of food parcels distributed by The Salvation Army has climbed 66 percent to a total of 51,527 in the year to March 2010.”

Statistics show that families have been hit hard during this time, with the number of families coming to The Salvation Army for food over this period rising 55 percent to 28,343 families.

Nestlé is a major food bank contributor, not only on the quantity donated, but also the quality, through the strict self-imposed guidelines.

“We make only donate food that has sufficient  ‘best before’ date, ensuring the highest possible quality Nestlé products are going to families who are in need,” says Gunnell.

“If we can help make people’s lives easier by not having to worry about where their next meal is coming from, then we are happy to help.”

ENDS

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