Foodshare calls for help, supplies critically low

BENDIGO Foodshare staff and volunteers are urging residents to donate to their Christmas Giving Appeal to support local families in need.

Amid rising demand for assistance, CEO Michelle Murphy said food donations are down 10 per cent on the first quarter of the last financial year and supplies are critically low.

“Food donations are down right across the state,” she said.

“We’re receiving a lot less from state-wide agencies such as Foodbank which means there is a flow on affect in the volume of food available to our 95 food relief partners across central Victoria.

“Unfortunately, of late we haven’t always been able to meet our order requests, and our local partners are telling us they’d ideally love more variety and quantity.

“As a stopgap we have had to resort to purchasing fresh vegetables and meat to have these basic necessities available.

“In the lead up to Christmas to help families get through the holidays we need to purchase more pantry staples, such as pasta and rice so we can offer food to those in need these holidays.

“The rising cost of living is affecting a growing number of people across all walks of life, from young families to seniors, workers, and even uni students.

“Food insecurity is no longer just an issue for the unemployed; it’s impacting everyday people trying to make ends meet.”

Donations to Bendigo Foodshare can contribute to the weekly assistance of 13,000 people via hampers, school breakfast clubs, community lunches and soup kitchens.

Visit bendigofoodshare.org.au/donate for more information.