Foodbank SA is a non-profit organisation that relies on the support of a large group of volunteers to help put food on the table of vulnerable South Australians who would otherwise go without. Foodbank Limestone Coast volunteers dedicate many hours to support the local facility.


There are currently 40 volunteers at the Mt Gambier site, which is crucial to their operations as a not-for-profit organisation.


The volunteers’ fabulous work locally has a far-reaching impact on the region, helping distribute over 500,000 meals in the Limestone Coast every year.


Foodbank Limestone Coast works with more than 130 local charities and schools, fresh fruit, veg, and grocery products 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 maintenance and vehicle washing,


Foodbank Limestone Coast Branch Manager Lynne Neshoda said “Foodbank could not operate without our valuable volunteers.


Whether in our Food hub, Warehouse, or out delivering, our wonderful and diverse group of volunteers provide an essential service to vulnerable people in our community, especially at times of high need as we have seen over the last few years.” Lynne Neshoda said. “We could not do what we do without their help. “I have a fabulous team; they all help each other out and they’re all happy to put up their hand and help extra if it’s needed.”


Vince Versace who is a long-term supporter of Foodbank helps organise residents from Hallmont Estate and Woodlands Grove Retirement Village to volunteer their time to collect food and funds for Foodbank’s annual Christmas Food Drive. “This support from local businesses to Foodbank is invaluable” Ms Neshoda said. “


Corporate volunteers also visit the site on a monthly rotating basis, including Bio Gro, Barry Maney Group, Group Training Employment, One Forty One, Rabobank and People’s Choice, These Corporate teams help pack fruit and veg, meal packs and unpack stock. “These groups get lots of work done in their time here and it helps immensely.” Lynne said.


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 to all the volunteers, they’re such a selfless group of people that are putting their community first.


“Foodbank will hold a lunch on Friday 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 87230287 to find out how to access help.