Appeal feeding devastated Bali villages

ALFREDTON Rotary has been providing free meals to local residents experiencing food insecurity.

But in recent weeks, club member Deb Robertson said the group has received an additional appeal for assistance.

This one, however, has come from further afield on the island of Bali in Indonesia.

“The devastating situation of a huge surge in COVID-19 infections, coupled with the lack of income from tourism, continues to affect many people in Bali, and Alfredton Rotary continues to seek donations to assist them, providing bags of grocery staples to those in need,” she said.

“Medical staff delivering the supplies have reported many cases of malnutrition in the families visited.”

Ms Robertson said just $10 dollars can purchase five kilograms of rice, 10 eggs, some vegetables, a small bag of cooking oil and 10 packets of noodles.

“These bags are not a lot but should help feed a small family for a week, and help them to survive.”

Alfredton Rotary and private donations have already generated more than $4000 for the cause.

Three hundred bags have been distributed to remote Balinese villages. An additional 100 bags are currently being put together.

Rotary Club of Bali Ubud Sunset member and food drop organiser Sue Bishop spoke at a meeting last week, attended by Alfredton Rotary.

“As the tourism industry in Bali is unlikely to recover before the end of the year, this will be an ongoing emergency for quite some time,” Ms Bishop said.

Alfredton Rotary president Denise Lyons encourages the Ballarat community to consider making a tax-deductible donation.

Visit donations.rawcs.com.au/15-2011-12 to contribute. Mark any donations with ‘BALI FOOD APPEAL.’