Food Recovery Program for Western Sydney

Sydney property group, GPT, is to serve up a Food Recovery Program in a partnership with Parramatta Mission to provide up to one million meals a year for those facing hardship in Western Sydney.

The GPT Group is launching the GPT Food Recovery Program at the Rouse Hill Town Centre on Saturday, September 4th 2010.

The GPT Food Recovery Program is being kick started with a five-year partnership with Parramatta Mission. The program will see the GPT Food Recovery Van collect left over fresh food from Rouse Hill Town Centre retailers each day and re-distribute it to people who are disadvantaged in Western Sydney via Parramatta Mission’s crisis services.

A recent study from the University of Western Sydney reveals that 20% of the population of Western Sydney is food insecure. The good quality leftover produce donated by Rouse Hill Town Centre retailers are made into meals and are served to those in need, via the Mission’s community care facilities including soup kitchen – Meals Plus; youth crisis centre – Parra House; women’s and children’s domestic violence refuge – Thelma Brown Cottages; and, homeless shelter – Hope Hostel.

GPT’s support is expected to help Parramatta Mission in its goal to offer up to one million meals per year.

GPT CEO and Managing Director, Michael Cameron says the GPT Food Recovery Program formed part of the Group’s social investment platform, which deals with the wellbeing of the communities in which GPT owns real estate.

Cameron says GPT is one of Australia’s largest property groups and it takes its role as a responsible corporate citizen very seriously.

Chris Bertinshaw, General Manager of Parramatta Mission says that with over 40 years of experience in delivering community aid to people in need in Western Sydney, Parramatta Mission is ideally placed to partner with GPT to successfully implement the GPT Food Recovery Program in this region.

Bertinshaw says people all over Western Sydney are being impacted by higher rents, interest rates and utility costs, forcing growing numbers below the poverty line and making Western Sydney one of the most disadvantaged areas in NSW.

GPT has secured the commitment of Rouse Hill Town Centre retailers, including Woolworths, Cookie Man, Muffin Break, Martelli’s Market and Country Growers to donate left over fresh food to Parramatta Mission’s care facilities.

If the pilot is successful,GPT says the Food Recovery Program will roll out across the GPT Retail network.

GPT’s Retail Portfolio currently consists of interests in 17 shopping centres including Rouse Hill Town Centre, Melbourne Central, Charlestown Square, Casuarina Square and Wollongong Central.

To find out more about supporting Parramatta Mission in providing aid to those living in hardship in Western Sydney communities visit www.parramattamission.org.au.