FCM Meetings & Events and FareShare join hands to feed Australians

Why is event food waste a problem?

Research suggests up to 40 per cent of food served at events goes to waste, while 3.5 million Australian households experience food insecurity. This presents both an environmental challenge and a missed opportunity to support communities in need.

"We see the volume of food produced and discarded at events every day, and we know we all have the potential to do better," said Katie Fraser, General Manager Customer and Operations for FCM Meetings & Events.

“Our colleagues across FCTG have proudly rallied behind FareShare through the Flight Centre Foundation. As an events business, we can take this further by addressing food waste directly in our operations.”

What does FareShare do?

FareShare has been cooking free, nutritious meals for Australians experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, food insecurity and other hardships for more than two decades.

The charity's chefs and volunteers deliver ready-to-eat meals that support dignity and wellbeing across the community.

How will FCM Meetings & Events support FareShare?

FCM M&E’s commitment includes three key initiatives:

• Partnering with venues and suppliers: Working with venues, caterers and suppliers to reduce food waste and identify surplus food donation opportunities
• Encouraging staff volunteering: Supporting staff to volunteer at FareShare kitchens and partner organisations, which is already underway
• Embedding food waste reduction strategies: Integrating practices that help reduce food waste into event planning and delivery.

The commitment aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, which aims to halve food waste by 2030.

“FareShare has the expertise and infrastructure to turn this industry challenge into community impact,” Fraser added.

“Through our venue partnerships and supply chain, FCM M&E can help reduce food waste by supporting the invaluable work happening through the Flight Centre Foundation.”