Fresh produce from Greater Sydney Local Land Services' Richmond demonstration farm is being distributed to those affected by drought and bushfire thanks to a new partnership with Foodbank NSW.
Vegetable trial crops have resulted in thousands of kilos of quality fresh produce being harvested since the expanded farm's launch on the Richmond Lowlands earlier this year, according to Farm Manager Peter Conasch.
"We approached Foodbank NSW and ACT and struck up a deal to donate our produce, which has included broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and a variety of lettuces," he said.
"To date we've donated 6350 kilograms of fresh veggies straight from the paddocks."
And the donations have been gratefully received.
Fresh produce of high quality was harder to source now more than ever due to the ongoing drought, according to Foodbank NSW and ACT Chief Operating Officer John Robinson.
"This partnership is hugely significant for us, we're not getting enough fresh vegetables and fruit as a result of the drought," Mr Robertson said.
"Our overarching aim as an organisation is to provide quality food to hungry Australians and the produce provided by Greater Sydney Local Land Services is second to none.
"You can't get much fresher."
Mr Conasch said it was rewarding to see the produce going to where it was needed the most.
"Our previous farm relied on tertiary treated water so we were unable to donate it, it was heartbreaking seeing the majority of it have to go to waste," he said.
"Now we get the satisfaction of seeing it go to good use, and our investors take pride in that as well."
Foodbank is Australia's largest food relief organisation, providing more than 70 per cent of the food rescued for food relief organisations nationwide.
