General Mills has announced a partnership with Foodbank Australia to donate one packet of Latina Fresh filled pasta for every packet sold at Coles.

The initiative will run from 1-31 May 2024, with General Mills pledging to donate up to a retail value of $220,000. This move is part of General Mills' longstanding partnership with Foodbank, which includes a volunteer program where employees help pack and sort food.

The initiative is an extension of Latina Fresh's ongoing support to Foodbank through its Collaborative Supply Program. Through this program, General Mills donates production time and labour at its Rooty Hill manufacturing plant to make Latina Fresh Ricotta and Spinach Agnolotti packs for Foodbank every month. The company's suppliers also contribute by donating raw materials and packaging.

"At General Mills, we remain committed to ensuring G Stands for Good for the communities we serve," said Marketing Director for Australia and New Zealand, General Mills, Surini Perera. "Giving back through donating Latina Fresh Ricotta and Spinach Agnolotti ensures families can enjoy a fresh meal that the whole family will enjoy."

Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey, expressed gratitude for the initiative. "We're so grateful to General Mills for donating Latina Fresh pasta through the partnership with Coles, especially as many people are experiencing hunger for the very first time," she said.

"When a staggering 3.7 million households have struggled to put food on the table in the past year, donations like this are vital to provide families with a fresh, source of protein meal."

By 1 June 2024, General Mills will have donated nearly half a million meals to people in need.