NSW Ministry of Health staff have donated more than 120kg of grocery items to vulnerable men, women and children as part of their annual Christmas food drive.

Staff at the Ministry’s head office in North Sydney took to the challenge by purchasing hundreds of canned food items, toiletries and baby products for OzHarvest, Australia’s first perishable food rescue organisation.

NSW Health Secretary Elizabeth Koff said the food drive was an important way to help the tens of thousands of Australians doing it tough this Christmas.

“Financial hardship, mental health issues and domestic violence don’t just go away over the festive season and sadly, many people will still struggle during Christmas,” Ms Koff said.

“As the organisation responsible for healthcare in NSW, it’s crucial to play our part in providing essential grocery items that will help those in need stay healthy.

“I thank our Young Professionals Network for coordinating this compassionate initiative, which represents the heart of what we aim to do,” Ms Koff said.

The goods will be donated by OzHarvest to a women’s shelter and men’s crisis centre on the Northern Beaches, in addition to a community centre group in North Sydney.

“I would also like to acknowledge the many healthcare staff across NSW who are working through the holiday period and sacrificing time with their loved ones,” Ms Koff said.

“Your dedication to patients encompasses the true spirit of giving.”

For more information, visit OzHarvest.