Creswick neighbours visit food hub

CRESWICK Neighbourhood Centre led its first monthly bus trip to Foodbank’s Ballarat Food Hub last week.

The visit was part of CNC’s Community Food Relief program, with its recipients invited to utilise the Foodbank community supermarket, and enjoy a social cuppa and chat.

CNC manager Chrissy Austin said everyone had a ball and learnt a lot about the service.

CNC was one of 111 local providers that received State Government Department of Families Fairness and Housing funding last December which is going towards the organisation’s Community Food Relief program.

“The CNC has received $41,350 which will support volunteer training and development, upgrade aspects of hall kitchen where community meals are prepared and cooked, and increase access to the Ballarat Food Hub via a monthly bus mini service from Creswick,” Ms Austin said.

“The CNC would see over 100 people access food assistance each week.

“CNC volunteers drive into Ballarat every Tuesday to collect over 350 kilograms of food which includes fresh fruit and veg, frozen meals and refrigerated items such as milk, yogurt and margarine from the Ballarat Food Hub.

“Tuesday mornings are a hive of activity on the CNC back porch where people gather under the tree where the food is distributed to those in need.

:This funding will also support volunteer training in areas such as first aid, CPR and food safety, and provide more storage and improve facilities in the community kitchen where the monthly community lunch is cooked and served.”