Bendigo Foodshare has warned food donations to the charity are down 10 per cent compared to the first quarter of last financial year and is calling on the community to help feed local families by supporting their Christmas Giving Appeal.
Bendigo Foodshare CEO Michelle Murphy said that right now Bendigo Foodshare’s food supplies were critically low and the shelves at their new warehouse were looking disconcertingly empty.
“Food donations are down right across the state — 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,” Ms Murphy said.
“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.”
We’re asking that those people in our community who are in a position to do so, to donate to our Christmas Giving Appeal and give the gift of food this Christmas.
Donations will help Bendigo Foodshare purchase food and provide food relief to 13,000 people each week, through programs such as soup kitchens, community lunches, school breakfast and lunch programs for children coming to school hungry, and the provision of food hampers to people in need.
“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; its impacting everyday people trying to make ends meet,” she said.
Ms Murphy added that this holiday season, together our generosity can bring hope and some extra joy to those in Central Victoria doing it tough.
Donations to Bendigo Foodshare’s Christmas Giving Appeal can be made at here.
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