As the festive season approaches so does the stress that comes with the rising cost of living.
Foodbank has recorded an increase in families seeking help to put food on the table all over Australia and the Limestone Coast is no exception, reporting a record number of families shopping in the local food hub a week ago.
The pressure is on Foodbank to supply more food through their food hubs, school breakfasts and from their warehouse to charities and agencies providing food relief.
Limestone Coast Foodbank branch manager Lynne Neshoda said the agency continued to purchase more to meet demand, but it was proving increasingly difficult to sustain as food costs have increased for the charity.
“We are constantly fundraising, running food drives, requesting financial help through grants, from governments, businesses and local service clubs,” she said.
“Fifty-two percent of Australian households with children have experienced food insecurity at some point during the year.
“That is over half of Australian families not knowing where their next meal is coming from.”
Mrs Neshoda said most years they saw an increase in demand at Christmas time as families struggled to make ends meet.
“Sadly, this year seems to be over and above that, with families already struggling with the rising cost of living,” she said.
“We need to keep the shelves at Foodbank filled with essential food items to help families living with food insecurity.
“With the commencement of school holidays, we expect to see a higher demand again with no access to school breakfast and lunch programs during this time.”
Mrs Neshoda said the local charity recently had its annual Food Drive at the Mount Gambier Marketplace two weekends ago with the help of Limestone Coast Foodbank ambassador Vince Versace.
“We collected over 1000kgs of food, which was great, most of that has gone out to people through our food hub where we have seen an increase in people coming through the door,” she said.
“Lots of people have been saying ‘never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would have to turn to Foodbank for help, but here I am’.
“While it has been crazy busy in all aspects here at Foodbank we have had fabulous support from our volunteers and corporates who help out and most have stepped up another notch and are doing two and three shifts, we would not be able to do what we do without their help.”
In an effort to keep up the demand Mrs Neshoda said Limestone Coast Foodbank had been receiving weekly orders instead of fortnightly from its Adelaide warehouse at Edwardstown.
“Our fruit and vegetables that we draw from the Pooraka Markets weekly has also increased considerably,” she said.
“Lots of local businesses have been running food drives and our generous supporters have been dropping off donations of food and money which we appreciate immensely.
“Foodbank SA will be packing and distributing over 10,000 Christmas hampers this Christmas and here on the Limestone Coast we will deliver over 800 of those to charities, agencies and schools working with the vulnerable in our community to alleviate some of the pressure, but it is not enough.
“We urge anyone that can help in any way with funds or food to get in touch with us.
“If you are struggling to put food on the table and are unsure how to get help please call us at Limestone Coast Foodbank on 08 8723 0287 and we can direct you on where to go for a referral.”
