As Anti-Poverty Week concluded last week, Albury Wodonga FoodShare is celebrating the power of local generosity following an extraordinary anonymous $6,000 donation to its Community Pantry.
Anti-Poverty Week, held from 11–17 October 2026, encourages Australians to better understand poverty and take collective action to address it.
With one in three Australian households experiencing food insecurity in the past 12 months, access to affordable, nutritious food remains a significant challenge for many individuals and families, including those living across North-East Victoria and Southern NSW.
Last week, an anonymous donor walked into FoodShare’s Community Pantry and made an unexpected $6,000 contribution. Declining a receipt or any form of recognition, the donor had just one simple request:
“Please make sure it helps the people in need.”
It was a remarkable act of generosity, and one that reflects the community spirit that has sustained FoodShare for the past 15 years.
The impact of this generosity extends well beyond the initial donation.
An independent evaluation of FoodShare’s Community Pantry found that every $1 invested generates $61.50 in social, environmental and economic value, when volunteer hours, donated food and other in-kind contributions are included.
Using this broader social return on investment, a $6,000 contribution, alongside the collective support that makes FoodShare’s work possible, has the potential to contribute to more than $360,000 in community value.
FoodShare CEO Katrina Pawley said the donation reflects a growing desire among local individuals, businesses and community groups to make a meaningful difference close to home.
“We’re increasingly hearing from community groups, businesses and individuals who want to know that their contributions are staying local and making a genuine difference to people in their own community,” Ms Pawley said.
“They want to see their generosity translate into something meaningful, whether that’s putting food on a family’s table, helping someone through a difficult period or ensuring that good, nutritious food is accessible to those who need it.
“This anonymous donation is a wonderful example of that community spirit. The donor wasn’t looking for recognition or thanks. They simply wanted to help local people, and that generosity is incredibly powerful.”
For 15 years, FoodShare has worked alongside local businesses, volunteers, community organisations and individuals to rescue and redistribute good food to people experiencing food insecurity across the region.
While this latest donation is significant, Ms Pawley emphasised that making a difference doesn’t always require a financial contribution.
“Not everyone can make a large financial donation, and that’s okay. Whether it’s a few groceries, a couple of hours volunteering, produce from your garden or simply spreading the word, every contribution plays a part,” Ms Pawley said.
“After 15 years, one thing remains clear: when our community comes together, we can achieve so much more than any one of us could alone.
“That’s what building food security, together, is all about.”
To learn more about Albury Wodonga FoodShare, make a donation or discover other ways to get involved, visit www.foodshare.org.au.