Woolworths stores across the northern Shoalhaven, Vincentia and Ulladulla will kick off the week-long initiative on Wednesday, November 3, with customers encouraged to donate non-perishable food items into the specially marked Local Community Food Drive trolley in-store.

According to the latest FoodBank Hunger Report, one in six adults haven't had enough to eat in the last year and 1.2 million children have gone hungry during the same period.

Additionally, one in three Australians struggling to meet their food needs are new to the experience, demonstrating the impact COVID-19 has had on communities.

Donated items will be distributed either directly to a store's local community food relief charity partner, or via one of Woolworths' major food relief partners, such as OzHarvest, FareShare and Foodbank, and their network of local charities they support, to ensure Shoalhaven residents in need receive the donated essential food items.

Read more:

Your local Woolworths has also committed to donating a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables to the Local Community Food Drive and their local community's food relief charity.

Woolworths Culburra Beach, Nowra, Nowra Stocklands and Vincentia Operations Manager, John Maloney said food insecurity continues to be a real issue in communities across Australia.

"The past year has made it even more difficult for a growing number of families to access nutritious food and essentials," he said.

"As Today's Fresh Food People, we're committed to supporting local communities and helping those less fortunate, particularly as we head into the festive season.

"I encourage Shoalhaven customers to join us and make a donation to the Woolworths Local Community Food Drive when they shop with us.

"By simply adding a non-perishable product in the specially marked trolley, you will be helping someone in need in our local community."

Items that have been identified by local charities as the core range of essential food relief items needed by individuals and families include:

Shoalhaven customers can donate in-store at your local Woolworths to the Woolworths Local Community Food Drive from November 3-9.

We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.