Goya Dmytryshchak
The Nourish Project food relief program has provided locals with more than 3000 meals so far this year and rescued more than 1.4 tons of food from ending up in landfill since the current lockdown started in early August.
Five neighbourhood houses across Maribyrnong and Brimbank last year launched the pilot, distributing free meals to combat food insecurity.
Yarraville Community Centre, West Footscray Neighbourhood House, Braybrook and Maidstone Neighbourhood House, Angliss Neighbourhood House and Duke Street Community House joined forces for the project.
Together, they are rescuing surplus food and providing free, nutritious vegetarian meals for people doing it tough.
Meals are prepared by qualified staff in the Yarraville Community Centre kitchen and distributed by the five neighbourhood houses.
Yarraville Community Centre chief executive Christine McCall the project had especially helped people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Over the past 18 months we’ve seen incredible work being done to support our local community, from the dedicated volunteers delivering free healthy meals to people in need for our food relief program, to staff going above and beyond volunteering their time to teach their skills online as well as supporting vulnerable youths in our area and much more,” she said.
“I am very proud of the service we provide and will keep providing to our community.”
New initiatives at Yarraville Community Centre include free online health and wellbeing workshops and cooking classes and the Chatty Cafe where people can connect in a safe and friendly space while having a cuppa and conversation.
“These vital services can really make a difference in people’s lives and support their mental and physical health and wellbeing whilst in lockdown,” Ms McCall said.
Details: www.ycc.net.au/community-engagement/news/help-inlockdown/
