25 years and growing: Simplot’s executive director of supply chain Dane Smith, executive director of human resources and transformation Sue Smith, Campaspe Shire councillor Paul Jarman, Foodbank chief executive Brianna Casey, state member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh, and plant manager of Simplot Echuca, David Maddison.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
Over 10 years, Simplot has donated more than 2,500,000 jars of its iconic Leggo’s pasta sauce and Chicken Tonight to Foodbank, in just one of the countless, positive outcomes that has emerged from their 25 year relationship.
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Twenty-five years ago, Echuca-based food manufacturer Simplot formed a prosperous relationship with Foodbank – a relationship that has not only stood the test of time but has helped to provide a nutritious source of food relief to those in need.
Simplot held a celebratory event on July 26 to mark the 25th anniversary of their relationship.
State Member for Murray Plains, Peter Walsh, Kagome chief executive, Jason Fritsch, Campaspe Shire councillor, Paul Jarman, and Foodbank’s chief executive, Brianna Casey, were all in attendance.
Ms Casey said Simplot was helping Foodbank to move from a surprise chain to a supply chain.
She said Foodbank was often not aware of the kind of supplies or the amount of supplies they would receive on a daily basis, but through Simplot, have found recurring, reliable and dependable access to supply.
“Simplot has donated more than 300,000 jars of their produce to Foodbank just this year,” Ms Casey said.
Flourishing: Foodbank’s chief executive, Brianna Casey gifted Simplot with a native Australian tree to symbolise their growing partnership.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
During the event, Cr Jarman said he was always shocked when reading the statistics about food insecurity within the Campaspe region.
“Twenty-six per cent of adults in Campaspe Shire are food insecure; that is one in five people within our community,” he said.
“Of course, food insecurity has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising costs of living.
“It would take 60,000 kilos of food to meet the demand of food insecurity in Campaspe and almost half of that is required in Echuca, alone.”
Mr Jarman thanked both Simplot and Foodbank for their contributions towards reversing food insecurity within our region and beyond.
In attendance: Simplot employees, Kagome representatives, politicians and councillors gathered to celebrate Simplot and Foodbank’s 25-year relationship.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
Mr Walsh also commended the partnership, saying that he was particularly passionate about Australian produce, as he was a tomato farmer before he went into politics.
“The pandemic has really demonstrated the issues within Australia’s supply chain – and that is why the work you do is so important,” he said.
“The relationship you have is a great synergy, so thank you for all that you do and the partnership you have.”
Foodbank gifted Simplot with a native tree that not only symbolises sustainability but was also a sign of commitment to a growing partnership.
The tree was planted within the Simplot yard for all employees to see.
Shovels at the ready: Foodbank’s chief executive Brianna Casey, Simplot’s executive director of human resources and transformation Sue Smith, Campaspe Shire councillor Paul Jarman, state member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh and Simplot’s executive director of supply chain, Dane Smith.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
