Joy as food relief warehouse opens

BENDIGO Foodshare’s long-awaited food relief facility in Golden Square is operational, which will make it easier and more efficient for the charity to continue to provide supplies to more-than thirteen thousand local people every week.

The new, state-of-the-art warehouse was officially opened last week with about 300 stakeholders attending to celebrate the occasion.

The $3.8 million building triples the charity’s storage capacity from 320 squre metres at the old location in Long Gully to 1000 square metres, increasing storage capacity from 14 pallets each of cool room and frozen food, to 42 pallets of both.

There’s also now room for 132 pallets of non-perishable goods compared to 50 pallets formerly.

An emotional Bendigo Foodshare chair, Sue Clarke highlighted the efforts of CEO Michelle Murphy as the project took shape, as well as the “truly thousands of people” who contributed.

“Michelle’s outstanding leadership and commitment, her passion and her knowledge is something (to be) celebrated,” she said.

“We are very much aware that we are here today (also) because of the generous financial support of our community; that’s individuals, businesses, philanthropists, and all levels of government.”

Ms Clarke added that the new warehouse is the first stage of a Community Food Hub planned for the remainder of the two-hectare site. “We envision this space as a place where the community can come together, connect with others and immerse themselves in the joys of growing, sharing and appreciating local food,” she said.

City of Greater Bendigo mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said with the current cost of living challenges, the matter of food security has never been more important.

“One-in-three people now coming forward for food relief in Bendigo have not had to ask for help before, and this purpose-built facility will ensure Foodshare can continue its fantastic and vital work while also providing an improved environment for the volunteers and staff to operate in,” she said.

“The City has been pleased to be on this journey with Foodshare from the beginning, supporting feasibility investigations, search for a suitable site and now the lease of this location. Congratulations to…the entire team. You have much to be proud of.”

Visit bendigofoodshare.org.au to donate or volunteer.