Volunteers needed

Baw Baw Food Relief volunteers recently took a break from feeding the hungry to attend the Foodbank Victoria 90th Anniversary in Melbourne.

Jan Davidson and Anne Pascoe were honoured to represented Baw Baw Food Relief at the anniversary event held at Government House and hosted by Governor of Victoria Linda Dessau AC.

Ms Davidson said she was particularly moved by the speech given by Foodbank Victoria board chairman Steve Audsley in which he spoke about the charity delivering the equivalent of 18 million meals to Victorians in need last year alone.

Mr Audsley said it was important to remember each of these meals represented a person or family with hopes, aspirations and a keen sense of who they are.

"And just because on this particular day they needed to seek food relief doesn't diminish that," he said. "It shouldn't ever diminish that. Or their sense of pride and community."

As Foodbank Victoria marks its significant 90th anniversary, the duo will soon join other Baw Baw volunteers to celebrate an anniversary of their own.

Baw Baw Food Relief will next month celebrate 20 years of helping to feed local families in times of need.

Ms Davidson said in these two decades, the not-for-profit charity run entirely by volunteers has grown from feeding 20 families per week in 2002 to more than 100 per week in 2022.

"(We) are currently distributing 4.8 tonne of food per week to those in the community experiencing hunger," Ms Davidson said. "We are finding there has been an increase of households with young children who haven't needed this help before."

Those needing assistance are commonly facing pressures due to monetary and social issues. A client recently turned to Food Relief after a rent increase from $200 per week to $350 per week.

Ms Davidson said those wanting to help fellow residents facing food insecurity can volunteer their time.

"We desperately need volunteers," she said. The op shop is open five days per week from 10am to 3pm to generate funds for this vital food service. Donations to the shop are accepted Tuesdays and Thursdays.