DELIVERING A SLICE OF RELIEF

SOME of Hobart’s most vulnerable have enjoyed a fresh slice of pizza during Anti- Poverty Week after the pandemic more than doubled food relief needs across the country.

Da Angelo’s co- owner Angelo Fraraccio brought about 30 boxes of steaming pizzas to Hobart City Mission yesterday where the Safe Space program offers homeless people 24- hour services including mental health, housing, food relief and shelter.

The restaurateur was grateful for “overwhelming” public support when businesses struggled through COVID- 19, adding it felt appropriate to return the favour to people living below the poverty line. “Hopefully this puts a smile on their faces and lets people know that … we’re all trying to get through this together,” he said.

HCM and Colony 47 helped organise the pizza event in an annual tradition with Da Angelos to highlight Anti- Poverty Week ( October 11- 17). Colony 47 CEO Danny Sutton said other charities receiving pizzas included Colourful Place shelter for 12- 16 year olds, Mara House shelter for young women and Eureka Clubhouse for people recovering from mental health issues. He said migrants on temporary visas, young people and international students were at particular risk of living in poverty.

The Foodbank Hunger Report 2020 released on Monday found demand for food relief has more than doubled, with 31 per cent of Australians seeking food relief at least once a week this year compared to 15 per cent last year.