Healthcare companies are making a contribution to this year's Foodbank 'Week of Care' event.
More than a million people each month are currently receiving food relief through the Foodbank network.
The charity organisation is most commonly known for providing fruit, vegetables and pantry staples. However, it is increasingly providing women's health, shampoo, conditioner and laundry products.
Foodbank is currently making its annual 'Week of Care' seeks to shine a spotlight on the importance of these products.
Now in its second year, the week celebrates the support of its non-food partners and helps raise awareness of the importance of personal, oral and household care products to ensure those who are struggling have access to products that are needed in every household.
These non-food partners feature pharmaceutical and other healthcare companies, including GSK, Johnson & Johnson, Kimberly-Clark, P&G and Reckitt.
Foodbank said the recent natural disasters mean it is experiencing an increase in demand rivalling that experienced at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’ve seen the cost of fuel, electricity and fresh fruit and vegetables skyrocket, alongside soaring rental and mortgage costs. If you can’t afford food, you certainly can’t afford daily necessities like shampoo, deodorant, period care products and toilet paper. These are much more than just personal hygiene and household care products. They are vital to living a life with dignity and confidence,” said Foodbank Australia CEO Brianna Casey.
“Toiletries such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, make-up and moisturisers, along with baby essentials like nappies and wipes shouldn’t be a luxury – they are a basic right. For someone who has lost everything in a fire or flood, or for someone escaping family and domestic violence, these everyday items play a significant role for people rebuilding their lives.”