Lion’s pride on receiving Foodbank award

Australian food and beverage company Lion was recognised by the Governor-General for its contributions to the charity Foodbank.

Foodbank, Australia’s largest hunger relief organisation, helps welfare agencies provide 75,000 meals every day. The charity acts as a conduit between the food and grocery industry’s donations and the welfare sector’s needs, distributing donations to welfare agencies.

The Governor-General and Patron of Foodbank Australia, Her Excellency Quentin Bryce AC CVO, presented the Foodbank Patron’s award to the company at a reception at Admiralty house on 23 February.

The award is presented to a company “that has demonstrated unrivalled commitment over time to Foodbank’s objectives and acted as an inspirational role model to other companies”, according to a press release issued by Foodbank.

Lion has donated 6.2 million kg of milk, dairy products and juice to the charity over the past decade. After the dairy industry committed to providing 1 million L of fresh milk to Foodbank each year, Lion has taken on the responsibility for processing and delivering the milk each week to Foodbank’s warehouses.

Upon receiving the award, Duncan Makeig, Lion’s Group General Counsel and Sustainability Director, said, “It is an absolute honour to receive Foodbank’s prestigious Patron’s Award. Making a difference in our community and reducing waste are both key elements of Lion’s business strategy and partnering with Foodbank is a great way for us to achieve these goals. We hope our ongoing support will help Foodbank meet this increasing need in the community.”

Also recognised on the night was Michael Luscombe, former CEO of Woolworths, who served on Foodbank’s Board for six years, during which time he was an active ambassador for hunger relief. Luscombe was responsible for Woolworths becoming Foodbank’s single largest food retail partner and oversaw the donation of 9.3 million kg of food over the past 10 years.