Media release: Bendigo Foodshare now supporting 17,236 people every week as Winter Food Drive launches

For immediate release – Thursday 16 July 2026

Bendigo Foodshare now supporting 17,236 people every week as Winter Food Drive launches

Bendigo Foodshare has released new data today to coincide with the launch of its Winter Food Drive, showing the charity is now feeding over 17,000 people across Central Victoria every week.

The five-week Winter Food Drive will run from 17 July to 21 August, with Bendigo Foodshare calling on the community to help meet growing demand by donating non-perishable food items at more than 20 supermarket collection points across the region.

Working alongside more than 100 food relief partners, the charity has seen the number of people needing food relief increase from 15,443 people each week at the same time last year, reflecting the growing cost-of-living pressures being experienced across Central Victoria.

The new figures confirm what Bendigo Foodshare and its food relief partners have been seeing across the region, more people are struggling to put food on the table as ongoing cost-of-living pressures continue to impact households across Central Victoria.

Bendigo Foodshare CEO Michelle Murphy said food insecurity across Central Victoria is unlike anything the charity has seen in its 13-year history.

“Winter is one of the toughest times of the year for many families. When you’re already stretching every dollar, the extra cost of heating your home, buying warm clothes for the kids or replacing a leaking roof after heavy rain can be enough to push a household beyond its limits.”

“We’re hearing from our food relief partners that more people are seeking support than ever before, including many who never imagined they’d need to ask for help. The queues for food relief are getting longer and the stories coming through our doors are changing.”

With the support of major sponsor Bendigo Toyota, Bendigo Foodshare is aiming to collect 5,000 kilograms of non-perishable food over five weeks. Collection points will be located at more than 20 supermarkets across Central Victoria, along with local businesses, schools and community organisations.

Ms Murphy said the Winter Food Drive is one way the community can make an immediate difference for local people doing it tough.

“Over the next five weeks, if you’re doing your weekly shop and are able to help, simply grab an extra packet of pasta, rice, breakfast cereal, canned food or another pantry staple and pop it into one of our yellow collection bins on your way out. It’s a small gesture that can make a real difference to someone doing it tough this winter.”

Community members can donate pantry staples at participating collection points until 21 August or drop donations directly to the Bendigo Foodshare warehouse at 227 Breen Street, Golden Square.

Every item donated stays in Central Victoria, helping ensure local people and families have access to food when they need it most.

ENDS

Media enquiries: For interview and photo requests please contact Kayla Valentine at communications@bendigofoodshare.org.au  or 0422 692 124.