Ep #146 - Kate O'Hara - How Food Bank WA are using innovative methods to ensure healthy food is available to all

Innovate for Impact

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley speak with Kate O'Hara, the CEO of Foodbank WA, a leading food relief organisation in Western Australia.
The organisation has implemented creative procurement methods, expanded mobile distribution services, and rebranded its nutrition education program to ensure healthy food is available as a basic human right for all Western Australians.

Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation:

• The organisation's mission to ensure "healthy food for all - it's a basic human right" in Western Australia.
• Foodbank WA has innovated its procurement and distribution processes to reduce food waste and increase the volume of fresh produce available, including: a) introducing new relationships with growers and packing sheds, including providing dedicated collection bins b) minimising handling of fresh produce to preserve quality c) launching a free fruit and vegetable program for cardholders.
• The organisation has also expanded its mobile van service to reach more communities, especially in remote areas.
• Foodbank WA's long-running Nutrition Education Program has been rebranded as "nom" and is now offered on a fee-for-service basis to reach more people.
• Challenges include the large geographic area of Western Australia, rising costs of transportation, and lack of public awareness about food insecurity in the state.

Links from the episode:

• Foodbank website: Click here
• Nom: Click here
• Superhero Foods HQ: Click here
• Innovate For Impact Workshop: Click here
• The Impacto Consulting website: Click here
• Impacto Consulting on LinkedIn: Click here