Harcourts Foundation Grant Bolsters Food Relief Efforts of The Big Umbrella

The Harcourts Foundation has announced a $10,000 grant to The Big Umbrella Foundation, a Melbourne-based charity dedicated to providing food relief and support to vulnerable communities.

The funding will enhance The Big Umbrella's capacity to deliver nutritious meals to people experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, and crisis.

Since its inception in 2010, The Big Umbrella Foundation has been at the forefront of tackling food insecurity and food waste.

The organisation provides meals using rescued food and sustainably grown produce, prepared and served by a dedicated team of volunteers. This new partnership with The Harcourts Foundation will further empower their mission to create a significant positive impact across Victoria and Australia.

The Big Umbrella Foundation is a Melbourne-based charity dedicated to addressing food insecurity, homelessness, and social isolation.

Through its programmes, the foundation provides nutritious meals, reduces food waste, and fosters community engagement. It has grown to become a key emergency food relief provider, supporting communities across Australia during times of crisis.

"We are incredibly grateful for the support from The Harcourts Foundation, which will significantly enhance our ability to provide nutritious meals and support to those in need," said Justin Dickinson, CEO and Founder of The Big Umbrella Foundation.

The charity has already provided over 515,000 meals and rescued more than 950 tonnes of surplus food, thanks to the efforts of nearly 47,000 volunteers.

The cheque was presented by Harcourts Foundation ambassador for Victoria, Sharon Kupsch, and the Harcourts Victoria State Team (pictured).

"The Big Umbrella Foundation's commitment to providing food relief and reducing food waste is truly inspiring, and we are honoured to support their vital work," said Ms. Kupsch. “This grant highlights the power of corporate social responsibility in addressing critical community needs.”

The Big Umbrella Foundation not only offers weekly meals at Federation Square but also acts as a national emergency food relief organisation, supporting communities affected by natural disasters and crises.

Pauline Smith, Head of the Harcourts Foundation, emphasised the importance of the collaboration, stating, "We're proud to partner with The Big Umbrella and contribute to their vital work."

The grant will help expand current services and support the introduction of new, scalable food relief initiatives.

Learn more about The Big Umbrella HERE.