Light Truck, Big Impact

Back in 2019, Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) joined forces with one of its most valued fleet customers to convert a retired utilities line truck into a mobile kitchen and distribution hub for people experiencing food insecurity and homelessness in and around Melbourne. 

Led by a dedicated team from key partners CitiPower-Powercor, the truck build was gifted to The Big Umbrella Foundation, a charity founded in 2010 that has gone on to serve a staggering 532,500 meals and enlist the help of 46,400 volunteers. 

The food truck initiative was led by the dedicated team from CitiPower-Powercor, with a string of other organisations lending a hand including Premier Proline, Nifty-Lift, GMJ Equipment, Isuzu Australia Limited, Delman, Westcoast Service Centre, FleetWeld, Westar Truck Centre, and Orix. 

Participant and IAL’s Head of Supply Chain, Daniel Ciantar, said he was delighted to see the impact the former utilities truck was having on the lives of those in need. 

“It really is heartening to see the difference this piece of equipment is having out there in the field. 

“We were approached by our friends at CitiPower-Powercor to get on board and get involved in this initiative and to their eternal credit, they could envision the sort of difference a food truck could make,” he said. 

“That said, it’s one thing to have the equipment, but it really is the hard work of the Big Umbrella team and their legion of volunteers that make it all possible.”  

Seven years on from the handover and the distinctive orange Isuzu truck has given The Big Umbrella Foundation the ability to ability to respond rapidly and effectively wherever help is needed. 

Importantly, and beyond the boundaries of Melbourne, the truck has responded to no less than seven natural disasters in seven years, supporting communities in their most vulnerable times.

It has travelled as far north as far as Lismore, during the devastating 2022 floods, where it was stationed for three months, providing over 35,000 free hot meals to families who had lost homes, businesses and livestock. 

Just recently, the truck carried the Big Umbrella team up to the NSW mid-north coast to respond to flooding in the Kempsey region, where 50,000 people had been displaced. 

It’s unique ability to rapidly respond, and crewed by a dedicated team of volunteers, saw it serve 1,400 hot meals in just four days at the Gladstone disaster recovery food relief unit.

Justin Dickinson, Founder and CEO of The Big Umbrella Foundation said the truck has served as vital lifeline for thousands of people across the country. 

“The truck has strengthened our team’s capacity, morale, and resilience, ensuring we can continue to serve those who rely on us. 

“It has become a symbol of hope, community spirit, and practical support, and it simply would not have been possible without our supporters’ generosity and belief in our mission.”