FoodShare is calling on the community to come together this winter as it celebrates 15 years of helping local families access the simple dignity of good food.
Launching today, this year’s Winter Appeal encourages 15,000 locals to donate $15 or 15kg of food to support individuals and families facing food insecurity across the region.
As cost-of-living pressures continue to rise, more people than ever are facing impossible choices between fuel, rent, bills and groceries.
Less than a week of coffees. Less than a monthly streaming subscription. But together, small acts of generosity can make a real difference for families doing it tough this winter.
Behind every statistic is someone trying to hold things together — parents skipping meals so their children can eat, senior citizens stretching groceries further, and hardworking families struggling to keep up with rising costs.
The launch coincides with National Volunteer Week, recognising the incredible contribution of FoodShare’s 300 volunteers who support the organisation’s work every day.
FoodShare CEO Katriana Pawley said volunteers are at the heart of everything FoodShare does.
“Our volunteers are the backbone of FoodShare. Their generosity, compassion and commitment make it possible for us to support thousands of local people every year,” Ms Pawley said.
“Many individuals and families experiencing hardship are employed or actively seeking work but are still struggling to afford everyday essentials.
“Local, flexible funding is incredibly important because it allows FoodShare to respond quickly to the needs of our community and ensure support reaches vulnerable people without unnecessary delays.”
The campaign launch also featured the fun and fast-paced FoodShare GIVE 15 Challenge, with local media taking part in a game-show style quiz featuring 15 rapid-fire questions testing their FoodShare knowledge.
FoodShare is also thrilled to be holding its second Reverse Drive Through FoodDrive, inviting community members to donate essential groceries to support the Community Pantry on Saturday 13 June from 9am – 1pm at 81 Wigg Street Wodonga.
Ms Pawley said there are many ways locals can support struggling families during the colder months.
“Whether it’s donating food, giving financially, hosting a food drive or becoming a regular donor, every contribution helps us provide dignity, relief and hope to local families doing it tough,” she said.
Locals can support the appeal in a variety of ways:
- GIVE 15 — donate $15 or 15kg of food to support local families
- Organise a workplace, school or neighbourhood food drive
- Drop pantry staples to the FoodShare Community Pantry on Saturday 13 June
- Become a regular monthly donor
- Make a tax-deductible donation before end of financial year
For more information or to support the winter appeal, visit foodshare.org.au/appeal