As bushfires continue to impact communities across North-East Victoria, Albury Wodonga FoodShare has been on the ground providing food relief and essential supplies to evacuees, firefighters, and residents in affected areas.
FoodShare has played a key role in supporting local relief efforts — ensuring people facing displacement, uncertainty, and exhaustion have access to nourishment, comfort, and care.
Helping Communities Close to the Fire Zone
In January, FoodShare delivered emergency food supplies close to the fire zone in the Tallangatta Valley, supporting the local relief centre as communities faced the immediate threat of bushfires.
Volunteers prepared meals for firefighters and distributed food supplies to local residents, with the burnt hills in the background serving as a stark reminder of how close the danger remains.
Donations specifically intended for firefighters were also delivered directly to the relief centre.
While safety restrictions remain in place, local volunteers are continuing to deliver supplies to farmers and residents who are unable to access support themselves.
Critical Support to Bushfire Evacuees
FoodShare also provided critical food relief for bushfire evacuees sheltering at the Wodonga Showground evacuation centre for five full days.
During this time:
- 48 volunteers contributed 315 hours of support
- 3,000 kilograms of food supplies provided to those sheltering at the relief center
- Displaced individuals and families received essential food and reassurance
FoodShare worked closely with Wodonga City Council and a wide range of service providers, including Upper Murray Family Care (UMFC), St John Ambulance, Lifeline, Red Cross, Victoria Police, The Salvation Army, Victorian Council of Churches, and the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.
Together, these organisations ensured evacuees had access not only to food, but also to medical care, emotional support, emergency relief payments, and activities for children.
On the final evening at the centre, evacuees shared a meaningful moment of connection with live music and a delicious meal donated by Delish&Relish.
As residents returned home to Corryong, evacuees were invited to take food supplies with them, and remaining groceries were transported to Corryong FoodShare to ensure continued local support.
Community Generosity Overwhelms Warehouse
The response from the wider community has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Over just three days, FoodShare received more than 4,500 kilograms of donated food supplies, including over 100 donations in a single day.
This incredible outpouring of kindness has ensured FoodShare can continue meeting urgent needs, filling critical supply gaps, and supporting recovery efforts long after the smoke clears.
FoodShare has encouraged those wishing to assist further to consider making financial donations, to assist with recovery as needs evolve across the region.
Continuing Support as the Emergency Unfolds
With close to 100 evacuees registered at the Wodonga evacuation centre in the first 24 hours — including families, older residents, caravans, and pets — FoodShare remains committed to providing daily meals, groceries, and essential comforts.
FoodShare has distributed everything from tea, coffee, cereal, toast and snacks to spaghetti or baked beans on toast, and toasted sandwiches, alongside fresh premade meals prepared locally by Trilogy Hospitality.
Pet food and children’s activity books have also been made available, ensuring dignity and care for the whole family.
Many evacuees have expressed deep gratitude to volunteers on site.
“Thank you so much — I haven’t had a proper meal for two days,” one evacuee shared.
Thank You to Our Volunteers and Supporters
FoodShare extends a heartfelt thank you to every volunteer, donor, and community member who has stepped forward during this devastating time.
Almost one third of all food distributed across the region has been donated locally — a powerful demonstration of the strength, kindness, and solidarity of our community.
With bushfires still posing a threat, FoodShare will continue responding for as long as the need remains.
