More seek relief
The number of local individuals and families facing financial hardship is increasing according to Food Relief figures.
For the first six months of this year, 50 more families sought assistance through the Baw Baw Combined Churches Food Relief than the same period last year.
The growing demand is not something Food Relief manager Anne Pascoe wants to welcome, but she is thankful the support service is available to so many needy and vulnerable families.
Food Relief provides food aid and support for families and individuals in need.
There is no judgement and very few questions asked. But sadly, Ms Pascoe said, numbers were increasing.
More than 520 families or individuals have already sought assistance during the first six months of this year, compared to 470 in the same period last year.
Over the past three years since 2014, there has been a steady increase in clients – from 547 in 2014, 630 in 2015; and, 713 in 2016.
The pantry shelves are always full and Ms Pascoe, fellow manager Trish Addison and a team of volunteers are on hand to help their clients fill a trolley and listen to their stories.
“There are a lot of sad stories…and everyone’s story is most important to them,” Ms Addison said.
“It’s always financial by the time they get here, a lot of people are just falling apart and have nowhere to turn,” she said. They see between 60 and 80 families each week. Rising rental costs, medical costs and job losses are common factors leading people to financial hardship.
Ms Pascoe said there was a growing rate of depression in the community and for some families that meant job losses, drugs, alcohol and gambling.
“People can have everything and then all of a sudden are down in the pits and it can happen to everyone. We are very rewarded by what we do and helping people in their time of need,” she said.
Ms Pascoe said there was no specific age group or family make-up that was more in need than another. “The vulnerability is across the board.”
Ms Addison said Baw Baw was an ageing community and unfortunately older farmers were among one of the most needy groups seeking assistance.
“We see a lot of farmers that are asset rich and cash poor,” she said.
Food Relief is available to clients residing in the shire and are a current health care or pensioner concession holder.
Once registered, clients can make up to eight visits per year to fill their trolleys, or they can more regularly seek food staples such as bread, fruit and vegetables and eggs.
The pantry is stocked full of staple and nutritional foods, treats, fresh fruits and vegetables as well as laundry and personal items including baby care.
Pre-cooked meals prepared and frozen by FareShare also are available.
Ms Addison said part of the Food Relief process is encouraging clients to take sustainable foods rather than chips, biscuits and lollies.
But, she said, for many, it is about breaking the cycle and understanding the nutrition that good foods can provide.
Food Relief has been operating for 15 years and its success is largely due to the many business and individuals who donate food.
The Combined Churches Opportunity Shop largely funds operational costs including rent and an annual grocery bill of about $40,000.
Food Relief, located at 11 Pearse St, Warragul is open from 10am to 2pm Monday to Thursday.