Cookoff delivers 10,000 meals for needy

A hundred volunteers from Dolmio, Sodexo and Coast Shelter slaved away to provide 10,000 nutritious meals for those in need during the Great Dolmio Cookoff from October 14-17.

The event returned to the Central Coast, doubling last year’s effort of 5,000 meals, as it highlighted World Food Day on October 16  while supporting the region’s needy.

The Foodbank Hunger Report 2024 revealed 3.4 million Australian households are experiencing food insecurity, including two million who are experiencing severe food insecurity.

Dolmio once again converted the kitchen at its Central Coast production facility into a meal-prepping hub.

General Manager of Mars Food & Nutrition Australia Bill Heague said the cookoff was an important initiative with this year’s event raising the bar as 10,000 cooked meals were delivered to people in the region facing food insecurity via Foodbank and Coast Shelter.

Sodexo, a global leader in sustainable food, hospitality, and facilities management services, was actively involved in providing operational support and supplying essential ingredients for the 10,000 meals.

Managing director Keith Weston said the company was proud to help provide food relief nationwide.

“As the cost of living continues to rise, it’s more critical than ever that we come together to support those who need it most,” he said.

“We want to be part of the solution to end hunger within our communities.

“This vision is only possible through collaboration with our clients, suppliers and charity partners.

“As part of our global Stop Hunger initiative to fight food insecurity, we have pledged to donate one million meals to the communities we are proud to serve in Australia by 2030.”

The teams prepared delicious and nutritious spaghetti bolognese meals, both beef and vegetarian, using fresh ingredients including Dolmio bolognese sauce.

Foodbank CEO Brianna Casey said there was an unprecedented demand for food relief.

“Initiatives like the Great Dolmio Cookoff are essential to our work,” she said.

“The continued support from Mars Food & Nutrition Australia and Sodexo enables us to deliver meals where they are needed most, and this year’s expanded target of 10,000 meals was an incredible testament to their commitment to making a difference.”