Coles launches national food relief appeal to aid Australians facing hardship

Coles has opened a national Community Food Relief Appeal running from 5 August to 1 September, inviting customers to support food‑insecure Australians. Eleven grocery suppliers, including Coca‑Cola Europacific Partners, General Mills, Heinz Australia, Mars Snacking Australia, Nando’s and Snackbrands, will donate 20 cents per eligible product sold at Coles stores or online to SecondBite or Foodbank, subject to caps. Additional contributions come from Chobani Australia (20 cents per yoghurt sold) and Don Smallgoods (20 cents per selected meat product). The campaign marks the first time Coles has combined SecondBite and Foodbank in a single national appeal.

Research commissioned by Coles, SecondBite and Foodbank estimates that 3.6 million Australians have experienced food hardship for the first time in the past six months, with rising utility, transport and housing costs cited as major pressures. Nearly half say they would not seek help because they think others need it more, and one‑third would feel embarrassed to ask.

Coles Chief Commercial and Sustainability Officer Anna Croft said the appeal shows how the grocery sector can turn everyday purchases into direct support for those in need. CEO Leah Weckert added that while food relief cannot solve broader cost‑of‑living issues, it provides vital immediate assistance, building on Coles’ long‑standing food rescue program that has already delivered the equivalent of 377 million meals.