200,000 Meals Delivered: How Queenslanders’ Container Donations Are Fighting Hunger
Australia’s leading food rescue organisation, OzHarvest, has delivered 200,000 meals to Queenslanders in need, all thanks to container donations through Containers for Change.
Since 2018, one million containers have been donated to OzHarvest by corporate supporters, community groups and individual Queenslanders passionate about the cause.
Those containers have generated $100,000 in 10-cent refunds, directly funding meals for people experiencing food insecurity and turning everyday bottles and cans into real, tangible support for our communities.
To put it into perspective, every ten 10-cent containers returned can help deliver two meals - proof that small actions really do add up to make a big difference.
More Than a Meal: Supporting Choice and Dignity
Those two meals are most often provided in a grocery format, giving people the freedom to choose how and when they prepare their food.
For many people facing hardship, choice can be limited in so many areas of life. Access to groceries helps restore a sense of autonomy and dignity - allowing individuals and families to cook meals that suit their needs, preferences, and cultural backgrounds.
It’s a simple but powerful difference: not just feeding people but empowering them.
How Containers for Change Supports OzHarvest
Container recycling isn’t just about protecting the environment - it’s also a way to support local communities in meaningful ways.
By donating container refunds to OzHarvest, Queenslanders can see exactly where their 10-cent refunds go: towards feeding people, reducing food waste, and helping protect the planet.
Michaela Windsor, OzHarvest Queensland State Manager, said so many Queenslanders are experiencing hunger and hardship right now, and OzHarvest is committed to doing everything they can to reduce food waste and help feed people in need.
“Containers for Change is a great opportunity for collective action that leads up to big impacts,” Ms Windsor said.
“I'm encouraging individuals, businesses, community groups, everyone, to collect their containers and donate the refunds to OzHarvest. It's a small but mighty way to nourish our country.”
A Simple Way to Make a Difference
It’s inspiring to think that your everyday recycling can turn into a meal, and a moment of choice, for someone in your community.
Whether it’s your weekly bottle return, a community collection drive, or a workplace initiative, every container counts. Each donation helps ensure good food doesn’t go to waste and container waste doesn’t end up in landfill - all while nourishing those in need.
You can donate your refund to OzHarvest by setting the cause as your preferred payment method in the Containers for Change app or by using their member number: C10006261.
Ready to make your impact?
Sign up for a member number and start tracking your returns today, or find a local cause to support!