Wednesday 2 November 2022
Food drive to help those hit by floods and rising living costs
People are being asked to give generously to Bendigo Foodshare’s community food drive which was launched today, to help provide food relief to those doing it tough due to the rising cost of living and the current flood emergency.
The charity’s food drive will run throughout all Bendigo supermarkets (Coles, Woolworths, IGA and Aldi) and across many local businesses and organisations for a month-long effort to support those doing it tough right across central Victoria.
Bendigo Foodshare CEO, Michelle Murphy said on top of the devastating flooding across the region, for thousands in the community it has been a tough year managing the continuing rising costs of living.
“This year we have seen rising food costs, increased fuel prices, skyrocketing house and rental prices, bill shock, all with no relief in sight, which means now more than ever we need donations to support our local community,” Ms Murphy said.
“Our June food drive yielded 5,000kg of donated food and we would love to see this record smashed for this drive to help the large number of people in need of urgent help.
“We know so many people in our community want to help, and our food drive is a really easy and positive way for people to do just that.
“We’re asking people to donate non-perishable food into the yellow bins, or donate online so together we can help ease the stress of families now and through this Christmas.”
Bendigo Foodshare currently supports 71 organisations across Central Victoria, with 21 of those affected by the floods.
Ms Murphy added that while the charity had provided immediate support in the flood response, Bendigo Foodshare’s focus is on the long term recovery.
“We know the effects of these floods will be long lasting for many, so we want our community to know we’re here for the long haul.
“We have been truly shocked to see the devastation these floods are causing across our region and I am so proud of the small part we’ve already been able to play in supporting our local communities.
“At the same time it’s also important to remember that there are far too many people struggling each week to put food on the table due to the rising cost of living and we are there for them too.”
The community is also being encouraged to hold their own food drive at work, home, school or part of a community group. More information and resources can be found at www.bendigofoodshare.org.au/fooddrive.
Donations (both fresh and pantry items) can be dropped off to Bendigo Foodshare’s warehouse at 2/43 Havilah Road, Long Gully between 9am – 2pm, Monday to Friday.
Financial donations can be made via Bendigo Foodshare’s website – www.bendigofoodshare.org.au
