Help needed: Bendigo Foodshare launches giving campaign as demand hits record high

An extra 2,500 people across central Victoria are accessing food relief compared to 12 months ago according to new data released by Bendigo Foodshare.

The charity has reported that it now feeds more than 15,500 people every week across central Victoria through its 95 food relief partners, an increase from 13,000 people.

The new figure collated by Bendigo Foodshare through data from its food relief partners has been released to coincide with launch of its first regular giving appeal, calling for locals to put their hand up to support the charity through monthly donations as demand skyrockets.

Bendigo Foodshare CEO Michelle Murphy said demand for its services was at record numbers, which meant food was being spread thin across the region.

“We’re feeding more people than ever before and to help us continue to meet this demand, we’re calling for locals to put their hands up to support our work,” she said.

“We’d love to find 100 people to help make a difference, by signing up as a regular giver – a special group of people we’re calling our local ‘food champions’.

“No donation is too small— every bit helps us continue our mission to feed those who are struggling to put food on the table.

“A donation as little as $10 a month can go a long way keeping our vans on the road and meeting essential warehouse costs, supporting our growing and cooking programs to tackle hunger and inspire youth.

“A regular giver commitment can allow us to plan ahead and secure food and services that can go a long way to meeting the demand in our community.”

People are asked to sign up at bendigofoodshare.org.au/regulargiving

*The Bendigo Advertiser is a media partner of the Regular Giving Appeal.