Geelong group calls for help to feed families over summer

A LOCAL food relief initiative is calling on the community to get behind its efforts to keep children in the Geelong region fed and thriving over the upcoming summer holidays.

Pass the Snacks Geelong, founded by local mother-of-two and lawyer Dee Cropley, works to bridge the “holiday hunger gap”; the period when school meal programs pause and families already doing it tough struggle to keep the cupboards stocked.

As the six-week summer holidays draw near, the organisation is seeking volunteers to help pack food boxes and donations of nutritious, non-perishable items to ensure more families enjoy a worry-free break with food security at home.

Hoping to deliver a record-breaking amount of support, Pass the Snacks’ goal will this year receive a boost from the ACPO Foundation, which will supply extra pantry staples such as long-life milk, pasta and cereal.

“The summer holidays should be a time for fun and rest, not hunger,” Cropley said.

“With help from APCO Foundation, other donors of food and funds, and our amazing volunteers, we’re determined to keep kids eating between terms so they can return to school with energy needed to fully engage in their learning.”

Since its launch in early 2024, Pass the Snacks has distributed more than 600 food boxes eight local schools, with school wellbeing officers helping to identify families in need.

To volunteer, or to donate food or funds, head to passthesnacksgeelong.org.au

For updates on the organisation’s quarterly food box packing days, follow @passthesnacksgeelong on Instagram.