Sodexo joins Mars and Foodbank to help tackle food insecurity this World Food Day

Oct. 16, 2026

The fifth annual Great Dolmio Cook-off brings volunteers together to prepare more than 12,000 meals for people experiencing food insecurity across the Central Coast.

This World Food Day, Sodexo Australia is joining Mars Food & Nutrition Australia and Foodbank Australia for the fifth annual Great Dolmio Cook-off, bringing volunteers together to prepare more than 12,000 meals distributed to 16 local charities including Coast Shelter, Vinnies Woy Woy, The Biker’s Hand, Southlakes Inc and more.

Held at Mars Food & Nutrition Australia’s commercial kitchen in Wyong, the initiative brings together people from across the partner organisations to prepare beef and vegetarian Spaghetti Bolognese meals for distribution through local charities supporting people in need.

The Cook-off has grown significantly since its first year, when 2,500 meals were prepared. By the end of 2026, the initiative is expected to have helped cook and distribute more than 37,000 meals since 2022.

Turning collaboration into community impact

Food insecurity continues to affect individuals and families across Australia. It’s an issue we can’t tackle alone. The Great Dolmio Cook-off has helped bring organisations together to make a direct impact on communities where we live and work.

The meals prepared through the weeklong initiative will reach people via 16 Foodbank local charity partners and community organisations on the Central Coast.

For Sodexo, the partnership reflects its ongoing commitment to tackling food insecurity through Stop Hunger, its global initiative to help create a world without hunger. As Stop Hunger marks its 30th anniversary, the Cook-off is an example of how collaboration between businesses, food partners and community organisations can turn a shared purpose into meaningful local support.

A shared commitment to fighting hunger

By bringing together volunteers, ingredients, facilities and expertise, the Great Dolmio Cook-off demonstrates how partnerships can help extend the reach of food relief efforts.

As World Food Day shines a spotlight on the importance of food security, the initiative is a reminder that addressing hunger takes sustained commitment and collective effort.

Keith Weston, Managing Director of Sodexo Australia, said their involvement reflects the organisation’s long-term commitment to tackling food insecurity with purpose and partnership.

"As a food and facilities management business, we understand the important role nutritious food plays in helping people and communities thrive. This year is especially meaningful as we mark 30 years of Stop Hunger, Sodexo's global commitment to tackling food insecurity and building stronger communities.

We're proud to stand alongside Mars and Foodbank once again to help deliver more than 12,000 meals to people doing it tough. Partnerships like this show what's possible when businesses, suppliers and community organisations come together to strengthen communities and help address food insecurity."

Through its work with Mars Food & Nutrition Australia and Foodbank Australia, Sodexo is proud to play a part in supporting local communities and helping more Australians access the food they need.