Food charity calling for spare produce before winter sets in

A PORTARLINGTON food charity says unused produce in the local area would be better served going towards the community members doing it tough as winter begins.

Food Assist 3223 president Prue Drever says anyone based in the 3223 postcode is eligible to peruse the charity’s thousands of free food items as the local not-for-profit enters its busiest time of the year.

“Without a doubt cost of living prices is the reason we have seen a dramatic increase in people seeking our help over the past year,” Ms Drever said.

“People have less disposable money when the gas bill goes up for heating around this time of year, we’ve helped 400 people since last year, that’s a 57 per cent increase, which is a fairly good indication of the challenges residents are facing.

“We also cater more to single parent families, which has also risen by 120 per cent, that’s a bit scary too.

“But if anyone can spare one extra item, and drop it in, that’s a meal for someone else, that’s the message we’re sending out at the moment.”

Ms Drever says it’s hard to gauge how many people utilise Food Assist 3223 each week because of fluctuation, but estimates between 30 and 40 people arrive every Wednesday between 1pm to 3pm on average.

The charity also receives ongoing donations from food banks and local produce traders.

Food Assist 3223 was first established close to 10 years ago when it was auspiced under the Bellarine Community Health banner and named the Portarlington Food Assistance Program.

The charity was then incorporated three years ago with Ms Drever joining at the time and now leading more than 30 volunteers who help with weekly operations.

“I certainly couldn’t do this by myself, I can barely do it now, but this community cares and people look after each other around here,” Ms Drever said.

“We rarely have to do any recruiting drives, we actually have a waitlist, but each week they turn up and do the work and that’s really pleasing from my end, and everyone believes in what we’re trying to do.”

The 3223 area encompasses Portarlington, St Leonards and Indented Head.

Food Assist operates rent-free out of St Andrew’s Uniting Church Hall at 111 Newcombe Street and can be contacted via its direct line at 0493 398 160 for any enquiries.