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Grain for the hungry

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Grain pours from a hole in the side of a silo

Grain growers asked to donate excess produce to feed the hungry.

Helen Brown: ABC News

It's expected that farmers will donate up to three thousand tonnes of grain, which will be processed into breakfast cereal; pasta; flour and bread.

Grain Trade Australia has the task of managing this project and coordinate the collection of the grain from growers when they sell it.

There are 2.3 million Australians who live below the poverty line. Those set to benefit aren't just the homeless and unemployed, but also elderly and families who are struggling to feed themselves.

Geoff Honey, the chief executive officer of Grain Trade Australia, explained how it works.

"When growers deliver grain to the receival site, they are able to donate one or two tonnes or what ever it may be to Foodbank. The growers then get a tax deductable receipt from Foodbank based on the current market value of the grain.

"If 3,000 tonnes is donated on the current market value, this would add up to be around $1 million."

Last year, the project raised several hundred tonnes of grain. However, by making the project national, it's anticipated it will raise 3,000 tonnes.

And it's not just wheat or barley that can be donated - they're looking for all forms of grains. After processing into different types of food, Foodbank then distribute the produce to welfare agencies, who then give it to those in need.

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