Three of the Central Coast’s most loved organisations have joined forces to support local people in need.
The Central Coast Mariners, Australian brand MasterFoods and leading local charity Coast Shelter have created MasterFoods Meals for Goals – an initiative that will see 100 meals donated for every home goal scored by the Central Coast Mariners during the 2023-2024 Isuzu UTE A-League and Liberty A-League season.
For every goal the Mariners men’s or women’s team scores at home, MasterFoods will donate $800 to fund the equivalent of 100 meals through charity Coast Shelter – up to a total value of $40,000 over the season.
The initiative could see up to 5,000 meals donated over the season if the Mariners are in good form.
Mariners CEO Shaun Mielekamp said the initiative would enable the club to give back to its loyal Coast community – the very community that has been the heart and soul of its journey as a football club.
“As our community programs partner, MasterFoods supports the delivery of all our community programs, including nurturing talent, empowering the next generation of football stars and fostering an equal playing environment for all.
“MasterFoods has demonstrated remarkable loyalty and we are incredibly proud to continue our long-standing partnership.”
Mars Food & Nutrition Australia Marketing Director Rachel Humphrey said the company was committed to contributing to the community.
“As a purpose-led business based on the Central Coast we understand the importance of community and supporting people in need,” Humphrey said.
“Our best loved brands, like MasterFoods, have been helping Australians to make meals for more than 75 years.
“However, sadly there is an increasing number of Australians, including (here on the) Central Coast, who are struggling to put food on the table.
“That’s why we are proud to be joining forces with the Central Coast Mariners and Coast Shelter to provide healthy meals for people who need them the most.
“After all, what we do today creates a better tomorrow.”
Acting Operations Manager at Coast Shelter Rachael Glasson said cost of living pressures were impacting the Central Coast, with the charity seeing increased demand for its meal services.
“We have seen a 30 per cent increase in people presenting at the Community Centre for our lunch and dinner services since January this year,” she said.
“This number is usually stable, so an increase of that much is clearly directly related to the rising cost of living across the board.
“Our Community Centres are wholly funded by local businesses and donations from the community, so this initiative from MasterFoods and the Central Coast Mariners will have a huge impact on our ability to service locals at both our Gosford and Wyong Community Centres.
“We are just so grateful for the support.”