Food Assist 3223 steps up to keep relief flowing

Several of the Drysdale Foodbank's volunteers have also made the move, joining forces with the Portarlington crew to help make the expansion possible and continue serving the clients they have supported for almost a decade. Photo: ELLIE CLARINGBOLD

FOOD Assist 3223’s home in Portarlington was filled with familiar faces on Tuesday, when the foodshare opened its doors to clients in the 3222 postcode for the first time.

The decision to expand the service was made just three short weeks ago, after financial pressures and staffing uncertainties forced the closure of the Drysdale Family Support Foodbank.

Never one to turn down a challenge, or to leave those in need without support, Food Assist 3223 president Prue Drever and her dedicated team of volunteers responded quickly to fill the gap, effectively doubling their reach in what has been a significant undertaking for the small not-for-profit organisation.

Several of the Drysdale Foodbank’s volunteers have also made the move, joining forces with the Portarlington crew to help make the expansion possible and continue serving the clients they have supported for almost a decade.

Ms Drever described Tuesday’s opening as a “family reunion”, promising the Drysdale Foodbank’s former clients they could look forward to seeing “lots of lovely, familiar faces” each week.

“Drysdale Family Support closing down was a big blow to the community,” she said. “We couldn’t not do this. We’ve got the facility, we’ve got all the contacts to get the food, we’ve got such fabulous community support.”

Food Assist 3223 will now offer food relief to residents in Clifton Springs, Curlewis, Drysdale, Mannerim, Marcus Hill and Wallington on Tuesdays between 12 noon and 2pm. Its Wednesday service, for those living in the 3223 postcode, will remain unchanged.

“We’ll have the music going, we’ve got the disco lights; we welcome everybody,” Ms Drever said.

“We have a good time; we have a bit of a laugh…and we’re really happy when people want to come down and just check us out.”

And to those eager to support the food relief charity, Ms Drever says, any kind of donation is welcome.

“A can of soup, a bag of rice, anything. Every little bit helps.

“We’re getting more and more clients every single week. It’s a running battle.”

Food Assist 3223 is at 9 Brown Street, Portarlington.