Western Australians are digging deep into their pantries as part of a One Tonne Food Drive to help two charities twist Christmas into a positive for community members facing food insecurity and women experiencing or at risk of experiencing family and domestic violence.

The Food Drive is being organised by Dinner Twist - a Canning Vale based meal kit and local produce provider - who has been supporting Zonta House and The Pantry not for profit organisations for three and one year/s respectively.

Chris Tistrand, Managing Director of Dinner Twist, commented that the end of year drive came about from the staff members’ collective interest in extending their love for local food to local community members.

“As a food business that’s built on the promise that better is for everyone, we wanted to use what we’re good at - food sourcing, making, logistics and working with our community - to make sure that families and individuals who need a helping hand can enjoy meals, without worry, this holiday season,” commented Chris.

“Our Food Drive is essentially driven by generous West Australians. We ask them - our customers - if they would like to donate dry, unopened foods, in good condition that they can place into their meal kit box, which we then collect, return to our warehouse and deliver out to Zonta House and The Pantry.”

Last year the drive reached a mammoth One Tonne food donation, a record that the Dinner Twist team are eager to break and are confident can be achieved for their chosen local charities.

“During COVID, we’ve personally seen how West Australians rallied together to buy, support and eat local and we believe that this generous spirit is still around and going strong to help us break our One Tonne record,” said Chris.

Ella Kent, Communications and Engagement Officer from Zonta House, commented on the overwhelming support of West Australians and local businesses such as Dinner Twist to share the festive feelings.

“In 2020, through the support of so many families, individuals and businesses, Zonta House was able to help make Christmas a better experience for 209 women and 235 children with gift vouchers, food and presents,” said Ella

“This year, we welcome the generous gifting spirit of West Australians and encourage anyone who is able to spare dry foods to help break Dinner Twist’s One Tonne food donation record, and support a positive Christmas for more women, children and families.”

Bev Woolhouse, CEO of The Pantry, re-iterated the callout for food donations to help alleviate the rapidly increasing number of West Australians facing food insecurity.

“COVID-19, and its flow-on effects, have increased the number of people who find themselves not having enough food to put on the table. In 2020 alone, we served over 68000 people who need to access food relief, a 30% increase in two years,” explained Bev.

“All we want for Christmas is food to help more hungry West Australians. If you can check your pantry, pop an extra can or two in your Dinner Twist box or shopping, we and so many hungry faces would really appreciate it.”

Dinner Twist Food Drive is running for two weeks until 22 December and is currently on track to break the One Tonne record.

More information:

• Dinner Twist: https://www.dinnertwist.com.au/
• Zonta House: https://zontahouse.org.au/
• The Pantry: www.thepantrywa.com.au