A SPOTSWOOD-based organisation has been recognised by the state government for helping to feed some of Hobsons Bay’s most disadvantaged residents.
Every week, the Community FoodLink volunteer team collects about 1.2 tonnes of fresh produce, which would otherwise be wasted, from suppliers including Coles, Bakers Delight, Aussie Farmers Direct and charities Second Bite and Foodbank Victoria. It distributes the food to almost 750 people.
The free service, led by a dedicated team of 10 volunteers through Gateway Social Support Options, was among groups honoured at this year’s Victorian Minister for Health Volunteer Awards.
As each day dawns, the volunteers, hailing from many nationalities and backgrounds, collect, sort, package and deliver nutritious fare to schools, community groups, seniors, disability groups and relief agencies.
Program co-ordinator Catarina Otter says FoodLink was launched 18 months ago, after Hobsons Bay Council found many residents were unable to access or afford regular supplies of healthy, good-quality food.
Clients include the Williamstown Emergency Relief Centre, where the team supplies items for its community kitchen and support packages, and Laverton College, where it provides breakfast and morning tea for students, many of whom may otherwise have gone without.
“They can have a few pieces of toast, jam and fruit and vegetables for morning tea,” Ms Otter said.
“We’ve been told it’s made a difference because they don’t feel hungry and can focus on learning.”
In an effort to reduce isolation and foster improved social connections within the community, the program caters only for groups.
Among its other clients are youth returning to school at Visy Cares Link Centre in Laverton, the Lions Club soup van, a cooking school at South Kingsville disability group and elderly residents at Williamstown’s Floyd Lodge public housing units.
It also supports Kings of the Kitchen, which helps teach single men how to cook, sometimes after the death of a partner.
“We’re extremely lucky we have a group of passionate volunteers who don’t just deliver the food, they stay and talk with the recipients – we couldn’t do it without them,” Ms Otter said.
“We get together every day and talk about what we’re trying to achieve and they often say they’re so excited to visit somewhere like Floyd Lodge where the food just vanishes and they say it’s like Christmas. They see the smiles on people’s faces and it touches their hearts.
Ms Otter said the program was looking for financial support to help it expand. Anyone who can help should phone 93993511.
