Foodshare locks in new home

BENDIGO Foodshare will soon have a bigger and better community hub at Breen Street in Golden Square.

A recent funding announcement of $1 million from the State Government means the organisation has completed its goal of raising $2.8 million for the new facility.

Originally slated to move to a facility in Garsed Street with a fundraising goal of $1.8 million, the extra money will allow for a larger warehouse with bigger food capacity, as well as offices and a social supermarket, to be built.

The Bendigo Foodshare works with 92 organisations across Central Victoria, including schools, charities and community groups, to deliver food where it’s needed most.

Foodshare manager Bridget Bentleigh said the organisation has have seen a higher demand for food relief and the larger warehouse means they can help people “doing it tough” across the region.

“The demand and need for food relief is as great as it’s ever been and with the pandemic continuing and no end in sight there are lots of business and families and students and people of all situations really struggling at the moment,” she said.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Victorian State Government for this extra significant boost to achieve our mission possible, and so incredibly thankful for our amazing sponsors and the Bendigo community.

Ms Bentleigh said the original warehouse in Long Gully has become too small for Foodshare’s operations.

“Our volunteers have done an amazing job in working in the small space that we have available to us,” she said.

“To be able to provide our volunteers with a safe and more comfortable environment to do the best work they can do to support our community, is something we’re all really really excited about.”

The new site will be shared with Bendigo Pony Club and the next stage will involve planning and designing the facility with a team of architects.