Easing the pressure this Christmas

MEREDITH Mart at the Meredith Community Centre will send out Christmas hampers to families in need next week.

The foodbank was established in August 2022 to ease cost of living pressures in the community with funding from the Golden Plains Shire and has continued with grants from the Geelong and Ballarat community foundations.

“We are making up hampers for families in need this Christmas,” Meredith Community Centre manager Leah Philllips said.

“There will be 14 hampers delivered next week, each containing approximately $350 worth of food.”

Since opening, Meredith Mart has been able to secure healthy food for families to enable them to put meals on their tables.

“Every month we order and pay for food from Foodbank at a discounted cost,” Ms Phillips said.

“We also obtain supplies of fresh vegetables, fruit and frozen goods from Geelong Foodshare and the Community Food Hub in Ballarat.

“Members of the community often bring in donations and sometimes we arrive in the morning to find random drops of food.

“They are always appreciated.

“I would like to thank the community for supporting us throughout the year and everyone who has donated.

“Thanks to all the generous help and support we will be able to ease the burden on vulnerable families this Christmas.”