Think HQ has launched the 'Very Merry Pantry' for 2024, a food drive initiative aimed at benefiting Foodbank NSW & ACT and Foodbank VIC. The initiative, now in its fourth year, was originally launched by LOUD, a recent acquisition of Think HQ. The 'Very Merry Pantry' began in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a response to help those struggling to afford food. This year, Think HQ aims to donate three tonnes of food through the initiative.

In its first year, the initiative donated 400 kilograms of food, followed by one tonne in its second year, and 1.5 tonnes in its third year. The 'Very Merry Pantry' operates in New South Wales and Victoria. The initiative encourages clients and suppliers to fill a gifted empty cardboard box with non-perishable food for donation to Foodbank.

"To facilitate the donation of three tonnes of food is a very big goal, but with the initiative now running across two states, and with the merger of LOUD and Think HQ, we have faith that as an agency and an industry collectively, we can absolutely do it. We just need as much help as possible. The Foodbank Hunger Report recently showed that 3.4 million households in Australia have run out of food in the last year and 1 in 3 households in NSW & ACT are still going hungry. Initiatives like Very Merry Pantry are more crucial than ever." said Lorraine Jokovic, Sydney General Manager at Think HQ.

Janyne Hogan, Foodbank NSW & ACT Head of Partnerships & Philanthropy, echoed the sentiment, "The need for support is greater than ever. Foodbank NSW & ACT is working tirelessly to ensure that no one goes hungry over the holidays, but we can’t do it alone. We rely on the generosity of our community to help us provide essential food and supplies to those in need, and we’re so grateful to Think HQ for their ongoing generosity and commitment to supporting people in our communities this holiday period. We know that the holiday period is a tough time for many Australians, particularly those in our communities struggling to put a meal on the table or trying to fill hungry bellies during school holidays. So, we tell our community that every contribution, no matter how small, makes a significant difference."