Moira FoodShare co-ordinator James Rouel said the dramatic increase was “very scary”.
“I’ve been in the role for four years, and we were averaging around 800 to 900 people a month; now it’s consistently more than 4000, and sometimes even 5000,” James said.
“When you break that down ... it’s about 10 to 12 per cent of the population accessing food relief every single month.
“That’s one in 10 people relying on Moira FoodShare to get by.”
James said he believed the rising cost of living, combined with the impact of recent natural disasters, had driven the demand to unprecedented levels.
“A lot of people who are working full-time and doing everything that would be expected of them, still can’t make ends meet ... it really doesn’t discriminate, people from every walk of life are needing help,” he said.
During the 2025-26 financial year, Moira FoodShare recorded 18,471 service contacts, providing assistance to 48,615 people, including 37,898 adults and 10,717 children.
Despite the growing demand, James said he was “incredibly proud” of the organisation’s volunteers and everything they had achieved.
“We ask more of you than many other food relief organisations, but your contribution allows us to keep directing our funding to where it is needed most; food, transport and support for our communities,” he said.
With the growing demand, Moira FoodShare needs more volunteers to work in the shopfront, warehouse and as drivers.
“The shopfront role is on the front line, where you would be handing food out and talking to people who come in,” James said.
“Warehouse volunteers sort and organise the food, while the drivers deliver the food to different families.”
Increasing demand had also meant introducing limits with people being asked to come in only once a week and take one of each item, so there’s enough to go around.
James said volunteers were needed across the shire, with every contribution, no matter how small, making a difference.
“Many hands make light work. I’m the only paid employee here, so the whole operation depends on volunteers,” he said.
“They do an amazing job, and we’re incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of our community.
“We rely on donations, goodwill and our volunteers to continue helping those who need it most.”
If you are interested in volunteering, visit: mhacare.org.au/volunteer/
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