Here at Bendigo Foodshare we provide food to around 13,000 people every week.

We do this by distributing food to our 80+ food partners, which includes organisations, schools, kindergartens and community groups, who then distribute it on our behalf to those in our community who are doing it tough. This is done in many ways including:

  • Community pantries
  • Hot lunch programs
  • Hampers
  • School breakfast and lunch programs
  • And many other creative ways. 

Food insecurity is a major issue in Australia, affecting more than 36% of the population (Food Bank Hunger Report, 2023). It affects everyday people, dual-income families, single parents, university students, the elderly and everyone in between.

In recent years, we have seen a 40-60% increase in the demand for food relief across our region, mostly due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic, floods, interest rate rises and the increased cost of living.

Through our Grow Cook Share Food Hub we are also tackling food insecurity by going to the root of the problem. We do this by building capacity in our young people by –
  • Increasing their knowledge of food poverty, food waste and food security
  • Breaking down the barriers to accessing help
  • Providing hands-on experiences that support them to grow, cook and sell food
  • Teaching them about the importance of community service and empowering them to engage in positive change

Since commencing in 2020, we have worked with over 36 schools and youth focused organisations to engage over 3,000 young people through school presentations, Grow a Row, Food Drives, volunteering and work experience, Cooking for Change, Café for a Day and at Golden Gums Farm.