Foodbank Victoria wins global award for data-driven efficiency

Foodbank Victoria has received international recognition for its use of data analytics to improve the sourcing and distribution of 25 million meals delivered to Victorians every year.

The organisation secured the Global Impact Award at the Qlik Global Transformation Awards 2025 for its application of Qlik Cloud Analytics, a technology that has enabled significant improvement in operational efficiency across its food relief operations, with a 15% reduction in food cost per kilogram.

Kennie Greagen, Applied Research and Innovation Manager at Foodbank Victoria, described the outcomes achieved by integrating more sophisticated data processes. "Foodbank Victoria's data transformation made us more efficient at what we do," Ms Greagen said.

She added, "We've significantly improved how we get the right food to the right areas using data driven decision making – and we are now doing it at a lower cost."

The charity now delivers over 25 million meals yearly through approximately 500 charity partners and more than 1,000 schools, managing an annual food expenditure of around AUD $5 million. Ms Greagen explained that data dashboards have played a crucial role: "Now, we can tailor that with detailed dashboards that show what's needed, what's coming in, and what to source to fill the gaps."

The Qlik award marks the first time an Australian organisation has earned the Global Impact Award, which recognises exceptional use of data to further humanitarian and non-profit missions.

Ms Greagen highlighted the value of centralising, automating, and analysing data from multiple sources to refine the way food is acquired, distributed, and tracked in real time. "It means that we identify short-dated products and move them quickly, so waste has come down significantly," she said.

She added, "And we can pinpoint areas of more or less demand, and allocate culturally-appropriate food, with data-driven accuracy."

With support from data transformation consultancy Notitia, Foodbank Victoria adopted a Qlik Cloud Analytics solution that integrates both internal enterprise resource planning data and public datasets. This integration allows the organisation to identify needs in culturally diverse communities across Victoria more effectively.

The adoption of new data technology has also altered staff workflows. "It has empowered our people to better understand local food demand and respond rapidly," Ms Greagen said.

Alex Avery, Managing Director at Notitia, commended the partnership between the consultancy and Foodbank Victoria. "Foodbank Victoria is a world-class example of using data for public good," Mr Avery said.

He continued, "Their expert team brought bold ideas and a clear mission — we're proud to have supported their transformation and to see this well-deserved global recognition.

"What makes this project especially meaningful is the direct impact it has on Victorians. Every efficiency gain, every insight, means a better result on the ground."

Charlie Farah, Field CTO for Analytics and AI at Qlik, remarked on the overall significance of the initiative for the non-profit sector. "Foodbank Victoria's use of Qlik Cloud Analytics is a powerful example of how data can drive meaningful social impact at scale," he said.

He added, "Their ability to turn insights into action is exactly what the Global Impact Award aims to celebrate and is a testament to the extraordinary innovation, commitment and real-world outcomes achieved by Foodbank Victoria."

Foodbank Victoria's recent data transformation involved two major projects: Neighbourhood Assessments, providing community-level insights, and Feed it Forward, which streamlined food movements and reporting from charity partners.

As a result of these initiatives, Foodbank Victoria has reported improved operational efficiency with a 15% reduction in food spend per kilogram, faster data-driven decision making across procurement, logistics and distribution, and better real-time reporting and insights for frontline teams and partners.

The charity supplies about 70% of all food relief in Victoria, supporting an extensive network of charities, schools, and community organisations with food assistance tailored to local requirements.

Foodbank Victoria's collaboration with Notitia and their use of Qlik Cloud Analytics has resulted in measurable operational improvements, with benefits including waste reduction, improved allocation of resources, and enhanced responses to the diverse needs of Victorians facing food insecurity.