Zambrero refocuses food relief efforts to address growing issue of hunger in Australia

Australian-owned quick serve restaurant franchise, Zambrero, is bringing its humanitarian efforts home for the first time, partnering with Foodbank to deliver 30,000 meals to Australians in crisis.

After 4 years supporting hunger in the developing world, Zambrero is bringing its philanthropic efforts back to Australia. The company has recognised the need for more assistance locally, with two million Australians accessing food relief each year, half of whom are children. Zambrero’s charitable initiative, Plate 4 Plate contributes a meal to someone in need for every burrito or bowl meal purchased. Through Plate 4 Plate, Zambrero has assisted humanitarian projects in Africa, Asia and the Americas.

Through a new partnership with Foodbank, Zambrero will focus on helping Australians, via a mass meal packing event being held in conjunction with the Rotary International Convention being held this week.  With the assistance of international agency, Stop Hunger Now, Zambrero and its volunteers will pack 30,000 meals which Foodbank will distribute to welfare agencies around the country to feed those who might otherwise go without.

“Addressing the problem of hunger is the single point where we can leverage relief for all humanitarian issues. Zambrero is pleased to partner with Foodbank to help Australians most in need,” says Karim Messih, General Manager of Zambrero.

Jason Hincks, CEO of Foodbank Australia, says: “We’re excited to be working with Zambrero for the first time. It’s great to see a young Australian business with such a strong commitment to helping those in need and its move to bring its efforts back to home shores could not have come at a better time. Hunger is an issue that is growing in Australia and it’s no longer just traditionally vulnerable people such as the homeless and unemployed who are at risk but also the elderly, single parents and increasingly the working poor.”

In 2013 Foodbank distributed food for 39 million meals – a 23% increase on the year prior. The generosity of Australian businesses like Zambrero is vital for Foodbank to support more than 2,500 front line charities around the country which continue to struggle to keep pace with rising demand for food relief.

Established in 2005 by young entrepreneur, medical doctor and philanthropist, Dr. Sam Prince, Zambrero is one of the fastest growing franchises in Australia now with 48 restaurants around the country.