Food Relief NQ was established as Foodbank Townsville in 2002 by Brad Webb from BM Webb Holdings and Ann Bunnell (Deputy Mayor Townsville City Council).  An 800m2 purpose building was donated by Brad to make the venture a viable operation.  Brad was instrumental in obtaining support from other businesses, and in coordinating the entire infrastructure associated with the set up of the warehouse.

Food Relief NQ encourages manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and traders in the food, beverage and grocery industries to donate products to Food Relief for redistribution to the needy.  Food Relief is unique in that our region has virtually no Food manufacturing or processing facilities and so we rely heavily on the financial support of members of the Community who can assist Food Relief in meeting demands.  Approximately 70% of food needed to meet demands is purchased by these donated funds.

Food Relief NQ distributes to over 64 welfare agencies within North Queensland, from Cairns to Mackay and out to Mt Isa.  In 2009 we distributed 166,492 Kg of food to welfare agencies within North Queensland.