Foodbank aims for expansion

THE WA Foodbank is considering options for expansion, with its operations fast growing beyond the capacity of the Belmont site.

The company is investigating possible sites for another food collection centre but has not decided if it will establish a new warehouse or renovate.

Foodbank chairman Dennis Ryan said the company had grown substantially in the past 12 months, establishing new operations in Kalgoorlie and Albany and strengthening links with Mandurah.

Mr Ryan estimated Foodbank last year distributed more than 1.25 million kilograms of food to more than 300 community organisations, which then sold the goods to needy families at prices well below those of supermarkets.

Community organisations pay only a handling fee for the food, which has been donated to Foodbank from various companies.

Ranging from fresh fruit and vegetables to tinned products, the food cannot be sold by companies.