Food campaign bags support

GEELONG’S mayoral candidates are thinking about lunch today for all the right reasons.

It’s not about what’s on the menu, but helping nourish the city’s hidden hungry.

Six in the mayoral field of nine were at Christ Church yesterday putting ballot box rivalry aside to support Feed Geelong and today’s Brown Paper Bag Day, which urges people to support food charities by donating the equivalent of what they spend on lunch.

More than 800 staff at 17 major Geelong employers including the Geelong Cats, GMHBA and Diversitat have committed to leading the way.

The Geelong Advertiser is running Feed Geelong with food rescue agency FareShare and Give Where You Live and today marks World Food Day.

While the candidates voiced support, Give Where You Live chief executive Bill Mithen called on the directly elected mayor to ensure food security was prominent on the city’s agenda.

‘‘In a place like Geelong food security shouldn’t be an issue,’’ Mr Mithen said.

Christ Church charity meals hub convener Col Hastings said volunteers served 63 breakfasts yesterday morning, up from about 40, pointing to steady rise in community need.

‘‘People ask, ‘where are these people,’ and I say well they could be the people livi ng next door to you, couldn’t they?’’ he said.

Feed Geelong’s campaign total hit $1675 yesterday and organisers hope to gain a valuable boost from Brown Paper Bag Day.

People can contribute to Feed Geelong by visiting feedgeelong.org.au, mailing Feed Geelong, Give Where You Live, PO Box 351, Geel ong, 3220 or phoning 5229 4364.