Joint venture: Moira FoodShare and Berrigan Shire have teamed up to provide a new food relief distribution point in FInley for people in need.
Photo by
Jamie Salter
Moira FoodShare has teamed up with Berrigan Shire to provide a new food relief distribution point in Finley for people in need.
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Those living in Berrigan Shire previously had to travel to Moira FoodShare’s Cobram office; it will be the first time Finley has a food relief distribution centre.
Cobram-based Moira FoodShare, which operates under MHA Care and is supported by Berrigan and Moira Shire Councils, will distribute food from its warehouse which will be given out at the Finley Showgrounds.
Rising living and fuel costs, as well as increased demand on the service, have driven the decision to open the new distribution point.
Berrigan Shire Deputy Mayor Carly Marriott said there has been a stigma attached to who “deserves” food relief that had created an unnecessary barrier to the service.
“Food relief is about bridging the gap. This service does not discriminate and is available for anyone in need,” she said.
“We are calling on industry to support this project. We live in the food bowl of Australia, however we have locals within our community lacking access to nutritious food.”
Ready to help: The Moira FoodShare warehouse with food to be given out to people in need.
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Contributed
Moira FoodShare volunteer Tania Garland said they would mostly have non-perishables, such as basic cooking ingredients and snacks, but the items would go a long way.
“We’ll give them a bit of something to tide them over ... we’ll have mainly the staples but it’s surprising how much it can help,” she said.
“If you really haven’t got the money it goes a long way. People are really doing it tough out there at the moment.”
The distribution point will have frozen meals and other frozen foods available depending on supply and availability.
The distribution point will open at the Finley Showgrounds for the first time on Thursday, June 9, from noon to 1pm, and will be open at the same time every week.
Moira FoodShare is encouraging anyone who needs food relief, or knows someone who may benefit from it, to come along during this time and have a chat.
There are no restrictions or pre-qualifications to obtain food relief; to discuss individual circumstances or for more information, phone 0419 809 171.
Moira FoodShare is also looking for volunteers to help support its work.
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