With more than four million Australians experiencing food insecurity, and many charities providing food relief reporting they could take double the food to meet demand, hunger is a serious national issue.

The OzHarvest Christmas Appeal at Woolworths hopes to raise more than $1 million nationally to assist in delivering more food to over 1300 charitable agencies.

Supplemented by regular donations of fresh produce from Woolworths stores across the country, customers who purchase a 50 cent meal token at Woolworths Goulburn or online will be helping OzHarvest to deliver a meal to someone in need.

OzHarvest NSW manager Richard Watson said: “There will be many families all across the country, including Goulburn, struggling to put meals on the table.

“Through the Woolworths OzHarvest Christmas Appeal, we can ensure charities can help support those in need and meet the growing demand for support.”

Woolworths store manager Craig Downs said: “At Woolworths Goulburn, we understand that Christmas is a time to focus on family, friends and the local community.

“By simply donating 50 cents by purchasing an OzHarvest Christmas Appeal token, we can all make a difference together and play a vital role in helping feed an Australian in need.”

Customers can purchase an OzHarvest 50 cent meal token when shopping at any Woolworths store or online until December 24. Customers can place their name on any token once purchased, and take it home or put it on display at Woolworths Goulburn.

Last year, the Woolworths OzHarvest Christmas Appeal received an overwhelming response raising over $1 million for the food rescue organisation, providing two million meals for Australians across the country.

Woolworths has partnered with OzHarvest since 2015 to help reduce food waste by providing surplus fresh food from their supermarkets to Aussies who would otherwise go without.