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The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Delaware North, and SecondBite have teamed up to establish weekly collections of surplus nutritious food to feed vulnerable Melburnians.
Food that is nearing its use-by date will be donated from the MCG’s catering, corporate functions and food outlets for SecondBite to collect and redistribute to charity partners.The food ranges from fresh salads to hearty sausage rolls, sandwiches and bottled drinks and is delivered by volunteers directly to the Salvation Army in Bourke Street Melbourne for those in need.
SecondBite works with growers, manufacturers and supermarkets across Australia to collect quality, nutritious food and distribute it to more than 1,100 charity partners to feed Australians doing it tough. Each year, SecondBite provides almost 50 million meals to hungry Australians.
SecondBite helps corporate partners to achieve their business and sustainability goals and educate their staff to make changes to reduce food waste in their workplace.
The MCC has worked with SecondBite for several years donating quality surplus food from some of the greatest Australian sporting events.
With 3.5 million fans visiting each year, environmental sustainability is a core focus at the MCG. It is a sustainability leader with practices such as reducing food waste, energy efficient lighting and cooling solutions, sustainable procurement policies, and 26 recycling waste streams including an organic compost dehydrator and a coffee cup recycling program.
MCC CEO Stuart Fox said, “In conjunction with our hospitality partner Delaware North, we are incredibly proud to work with SecondBite as part of our sustainability efforts at the MCG,” Mr Fox said.
By donating the excess quality food from a major event, we have found a meaningful way to help those Melburnians who need it most. This allows the MCG to operate with both environmental and social consciousness, and that’s a win for our entire community.”
Acting CEO of SecondBite, Lucy Coward said, “It’s a privilege to partner with the MCC and Delaware North to realise our vision of ending waste and ending hunger,” Ms Coward said.
“One in five Australians regularly skip meals or go a day without eating. With the increased cost of living, more working Australians are food insecure and the number is growing.
“The food we provide means more than just meals though. It’s a lifeline of hope in challenging times.”
Global hospitality and entertainment company Delaware North was appointed the hospitality services partner at the MCG in late 2021. The company has been operating for over 100 years and manages hospitality services for over 200 venues across three continents. They are renowned for enhancing the food experience for guests at world famous sports venues and proudly showcase the best of Melbourne’s food scene at the MCG.
Delaware North Managing Director Gary Brown said, “Delaware North is thrilled to be partnering with the MCG and SecondBite to donate quality surplus food to Melburnians in need,” Mr Brown said.
“We take great pride in helping to make a difference in the communities in which we live and provide service.”