Victorians can donate their 10-cent Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) refunds to Foodbank Victoria until mid-October, with every five eligible drink containers donated helping create one meal for people experiencing food insecurity.
Donations can be made at any CDS Vic refund point by selecting Foodbank Victoria at a reverse vending machine, choosing the charity as a payout option in the CDS Vic app, or requesting that refunds be donated at over-the-counter refund points and depots.
Foodbank Victoria said it feeds 76,000 people every day and provides more than 70 per cent of the state's food relief. The charity said demand for food relief has increased by 10 per cent over the past six months as cost-of-living pressures continue to affect households.
The initiative builds on Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme, which has given more than 3.3 billion containers a second life while returning more than $330 million to Victorians, including more than $3.7 million to charities and community groups.
Matt Davis, CEO of scheme coordinator Vic Return, said, "Victorians have already donated millions in container refunds to support charities and community groups through CDS Vic, showing the incredible community spirit behind the scheme.
"We're proud to partner with Foodbank Victoria to give people another simple way to turn their recycling into meaningful support for fellow Victorians this winter."
Dave McNamara, CEO of Foodbank Victoria, said, "Foodbank’s partnership with CDS Vic makes it easy for Victorians to turn their empties into something that truly matters, meals for people doing it tough.
"With demand for food relief at a record high, simple actions like donating your 10-cent containers can create real change for the 76,000 Victorians who rely on Foodbank every single day."
Minister for Environment Enver Erdogan said, "Every container returned through CDS Vic makes a difference, and now Victorians can choose to donate their refunds to help Foodbank Victoria provide meals, groceries and emergency relief through the colder months."
