Yarra City Council has facilitated a $10,000 donation to Foodbank Victoria after a generous pledge from US late night show Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.

Former Yarra Mayor, Cr Sophie Wade, welcomed the donation which will go a long way to support people experiencing food insecurity in Yarra.

“This is a fantastic outcome for individuals, families and communities who are struggling to get regular access to safe and nutritious food,” she said.

“During the pandemic, we saw firsthand the impact of food insecurity, particularly among the most vulnerable and at-risk members of our community, with Yarra Council providing food relief directly to residents in need. Now, with the rising cost of living, more and more people are in need support.”

Foodbank Victoria CEO Dave McNamara said the donation has come at a time when Victorians are feeling the pinch due to the rising cost of living.

“Foodbank is seeing a level of demand that’s staggering."

“We’re feeding 100,000 people every two days, with many needing us for the first time ever. I love the way Yarra has rallied around this opportunity to help put an extra 20,000 meals on the tables of Victorians in need.”

The donation was made in exchange for Yarra City Council naming a polystyrene recycling machine located at the Clifton Hill depot after the TV host and comedian John Oliver.

We encourage community members to check out the machine and its fancy new name plate next time they drop off their hard-to-recycle items at the Clifton Hill depot.