Thank you so much to Hayley from the Westside Roller Derby for visiting our branch this week with food items to support our Food Drive. At this time of year we usually have a Winter Coat Drive on behalf of Reaching Out in the Inner West of Melbourne, however when we asked them how we could help, their immediate response was “can you please help us with food?”

Randa Beirouti, key organiser of the charity, explained that Hudson’s Dry Cleaners had kindly started collecting much needed winter coats, blankets and bedding in March however the demand for food had recently exploded with further economic stress.

In Randa’s words, “the last two weeks have been absolutely crazy! With everything happening globally, we are probably up to serving 700 people. The line was out of control last night and the previous Monday and I think its going to get worse. I’m having to buy more pantry items from FoodBank and the supermarkets to meet current need.”

The sentiment has been supported by Foodbank who are bringing their annual food drive forward in the calendar to help accomodate the now 73,000 people they support with food relief every single day.

Our branch team at 90 Charles Street Seddon are welcoming food donations any time Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.00pm. Even if it’s just one or two items, every little bit helps. Most in need items include:

Pasta, rice, noodles, cereal, tinned vegetables, tinned fruits, tinned legumes, soy sauce, long life milk, 2 min noodles, tinned baked beans and spaghetti

Reaching Out welcomes volunteers for food packing, supermarket pick ups, pantry drop offs, cooking meals or Monday night service. Or perhaps you’d like donate directly. Find out more Reaching Out in the Inner West of Melbourne