One of the Limestone Coast’s much-needed services has a core group of volunteers helping others in need.


There are currently 35 volunteers at the Mount Gambier Foodbank site, which services the Limestone Coast.


The volunteers’ selfless work locally has a far-reaching impact on the region, helping distribute over 700,000 meals in the Limestone Coast every year.


Foodbank Limestone Coast works with more than 130 local charities and schools, distributing fresh fruit, vegetables and grocery products that have come from Foodbank’s main warehouse at Edwardstown in Adelaide and the Pooraka Markets.


Food rescue is also done throughout the Limestone Coast region.


The food is picked up sorted, checked and re-distributed by the volunteers.


The facility runs full time Monday to Friday, with the food hub open four days a week for referred clients to shop and the warehouse five days for deliveries to schools and charity groups.


The volunteers take on various roles, including warehouse pickers, packers, delivery drivers, food hub assistants, food sorters, yard and vehicle maintenance.


Foodbank Limestone Coast Branch Manager Lynne Neshoda said the service could not operate without the assistance of volunteers.


“Foodbank is very lucky to have such awesome volunteers; we could not operate without them,” she said.


“Whether in our Food Hub, warehouse or out delivering, our wonderful group of volunteers provide an essential service to vulnerable people in our community.


“We could not do what we do without their help. My team are all happy to put up their hand and help extra if it’s needed as well.”


Corporate volunteers also visit the site on a monthly rotating basis, helping to pack fruit and vegetables, meal packs and unpack stock.


“These groups power through a mountain of work, which helps set us up for the following week,” Ms Neshoda said.


“Vince Versace is a long-term supporter of Foodbank and helps organise food drives with the local soccer club. At Christmas time he rounds up volunteers to help with this.


“This support from local businesses to Foodbank is invaluable.


“We have lots of fantastic volunteer support at our Mount Gambier site to help get that food out to the people that need it most.


“A big thank you must go to all the volunteers here at Foodbank, they’re such a selfless group and they dedicate many hours to support the local facility.”


Foodbank will hold a morning tea each day of Volunteer Week as a small thank you and celebration for all the time and effort the volunteers put in at Foodbank Limestone Coast.


People struggling to put food on the table and needing assistance can call Foodbank on 08 8723 0287 to find out how to access help.