OzHarvest has delivered its one millionth meal on the Central Coast, with the rising cost of living seriously affecting people in need in the region and many experiencing hardships they have never faced before.
OzHarvest Central Coast has been busier than ever, working to meet the increasing demand for food relief throughout the region and recently delivered its one millionth meal to The Entrance Food Hub.
OzHarvest Newcastle Manager, Richard Stark, said that since starting on the Coast in 2020, more than 2,200 tonnes of surplus food has been saved from ending up in landfill and delivered directly to help feed locals in need.
“OzHarvest Central Coast is a small but very busy team of staff and volunteers,” he said.
“Our yellow van is out and about in the community every week stopping food from going to waste and delivering it to charities, schools and community groups to help those most at risk across the region.
“There is no doubt the last two years have been incredibly difficult for those we support, with a drastic rise in demand for our services.
“We are now delivering around 7,300 meals every week and are about to get a second van to help meet the need.”
The Entrance Food Hub is one of 28 charities OzHarvest supports every week with fresh and nutritious food.
“This is a huge community effort from our wonderful drivers, staff, dedicated volunteers, local corporate donors and of course the 24 local business who donate the food to us, including Woolworths, Aldi, Harris Farm and KFC,” Stark said.
Director at The Entrance Food Hub, Miranda Brown, said the charity supports around 130 families each day with demand increasing.
“The food we receive from OzHarvest means we’re always stocked with a wide variety of beautiful fresh produce, helping us provide food relief to anyone doing it tough,” she said.
OzHarvest’s National Food Rescue Partner Woolworths helps to provide a regular supply of fresh and nutritious food from nine stores in the region.
Woolworths Group Manager, Belinda Page, said the team was passionate about the program.
“Our commitment to identify and divert surplus fresh food to OzHarvest for local charities such as The Entrance Food Hub, who help feed those in need, is a great example of how a little good everyday can make a big difference,” she said.
OzHarvest Central Coast is in need of extra funding in order to grow and meet the increasing need of the community.
For every $1 donated, OzHarvest is able to deliver ttwo meals to people in need.
You can donate at ozharvest.org.
Source:
Media release, Sep 19
OzHarvest