Bendigo Foodshare calls for support to meet Christmas food relief demand
As the festive season approaches, Bendigo Foodshare is calling on the central Victorian community to support its Christmas Giving Appeal, as demand for food relief continues across the region.
The recently released 2025 Foodbank Hunger Report reveals that one in three Australian households is now experiencing food insecurity, with one in five severely affected.
Bendigo Foodshare CEO Michelle Murphy said this Christmas we’re asking our community to again come together to help us to feed 15,500 people every week.
“The harsh fact is that people here in our community are going without. Families are skipping meals, going whole days without food, and making impossible choices between rent, bills, and groceries,” Ms Murphy said.
“Our 90+ food partners are reporting increased demand, with new faces walking through their doors each week.”
Many food relief services across Central Victoria close during the Christmas to New Year period, leaving limited support available when demand remains high. This gap means some families go without food during a time traditionally centred around celebration. To help meet this need, Bendigo Foodshare is hosting a 4-day Pop-Up Christmas Food Pantry, providing free food relief to people doing it tough – an initiative supported by local service clubs and community organisations.
In addition to financial donations, Bendigo Foodshare is encouraging locals to take part in its Christmas Food Drive – a simple and meaningful way to help. Supporters can pick up a Reverse Advent Calendar Box from Belle Property Bendigo or Bendigo Foodshare, add one pantry item each day for 20 days, and return the completed hamper by Monday 15th December. These hampers will be distributed to families in need across central Victoria.
Ms Murphy added that kindness this Christmas can have a real impact. If people are in a position to help, there are many simple ways to offer meaningful support.
“Our community’s generosity will help deliver food relief to local families doing it tough this season. Together we can make sure no one goes hungry this Christmas.”
Bendigo Foodshare is aiming to raise $50,000 during it’s Christmas Giving Appeal – matching last year’s total – to ensure vital food relief can continue through the holiday season and into the new year. Donate at bendigofoodshare.org.au/donate.
