A food support service in the western suburbs has received a helping hand to house their growing food donations.
Victoria University’s [VU] vocational education provider VU Polytechnic has partnered with Reaching Out in the Inner West of Melbourne, which distributes food to those in need every Monday at 5.30pm at the Nicholson Street Mall in Footscray.
The partnership has involved organisers receive a new storage space at VU’s Footscray Nicholson campus.
Lead organiser Randa Beirouti said the partnership would create a number of benefits for both organisations.
“We are working closely with VU Polytechnic in their community services department, with both students and staff, and see some exciting possibilities working with their hospitality students in the future,” she said.
“This is a true example of a community partnership, where the focus is on providing services for people in need in our community.”
After starting in 2005, Ms Beirouti said the charity had seen a massive growth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We were one of the few charities that existed during the lockdowns,” she said.
“With food prices rising, I just think people are feeling the squeeze,” she said.
“The level of need has gone through the roof.”
Ms Beirouti said the group had received support from local, statewide and international food and drink suppliers, including Coles and Asahi.
She said the group had also been able to provide employment support thanks to assistance from Jobs Victoria.
A VU Polytechnic spokesperson said they were pleased to offer support to target food insecurity in Melbourne’s west.
“VU Polytechnic is delighted to be working with Reaching Out in the Inner West to support their initiatives in the provision of free meals to local residents who are experiencing food insecurity.”
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Matthew Sims
