International and Gambier Centrals soccer clubs recently held their annual Foodbank SA Food Drive at Casadio Park to help feed locals in need.

The initiative is driven by the International Soccer Club in conjunction with the Italo Australia Club and Centrals Soccer Club.

Foodbank regional branch manager Lynne Neshoda said 430.4kg of food and $344.30 was collected at the gate, which equates to 1548 meals for those doing it tough in the local community.

“A huge thank you to the International and Gambier Centrals Soccer Clubs for supporting Foodbank with their annual food drive on Sunday 3rd of July,” Ms Neshoda said.

“While we did not reach the target we were hoping for, it is still a fabulous effort from the sporting clubs.

“Times are tough, and we are very grateful to the soccer club members, players, and supporters for their generosity.

“The donations will be distributed through our hub and warehouse to individuals and families in need.

“The good thing about donating to Foodbank SA on the Limestone Coast is all the food and dollars donated stays in the region, helping feed local people and families.

“With the cost of living, we are seeing a huge increase in people seeking assistance at Foodbank SA on the Limestone Coast to put food on the table.”

Ms Neshoda said the support from the soccer community was a great partnership, initially instigated by Foodbank Limestone Coast major supporter Vince Versace.

“We could not do it without our community, and we are very lucky to live in this generous region,” she said.

International sports director Michael Prior said players, spectators and people passing by supported the food drive and hoped it would get bigger and better each year.

“I think everyone got behind it and supported it as much as they could, things are pretty tight at the moment,” he said.

“We still contributed a significant amount to the local coffers, which is a good thing.

“Both Centrals and Internationals have been doing it for a couple of years, it is an International driven thing, but Centrals support it as much as we do.

“Thank you to all those who got behind it and I look forward to doing it again next year.

“Please support the local charity because what gets generated in Mount Gambier stays in Mount Gambier and feeds our local people who need it.

“We know the food stays here; it is actually supporting local Mount Gambier people and families in need.”