Zoe Moffatt
Woodend Neighbourhood House will launch a community food bank on Monday, March 27, with frozen meals and pantry staples.
The neighbourhood house announced the new location on March 15, in the effort to help community members as the demands for food relief increases.
Manager Melissa Baker said they recognised how important this service was to the community in 2021 and knew they needed to set up a dedicated space.
“We first set up a community food swap at the end of 2021 with the idea that people could take what they need or leave what they could,” Ms Baker said.
“Very quickly, demand outstripped supply, so we knew we needed to do more.”
The new food bank will be located in undercroft of the neighbourhood house, with access via the gates by the Skate Park, off Margery Crescent. It will be open on Mondays and Thursdays between 12.30pm and 2.30pm.
Ms Baker said the food bank will be staffed by supportive volunteers and there will be a range of food and personal hygiene items available.
“Our clients come from all walks of life and there is no shame in asking for help. Life happens to all of us, and the new food bank, just like the Woodend Neighbourhood House, is here for everyone,” she said.
“We’re now calling on our community to consider how they can support this vital service.”
The neighbourhood house said there are collection bins in the Woodend Coles and IGA for donations and cash donations can be made to the house between 9am and 3pm, Monday to Friday.
“We’re also asking anyone who can spare a couple of hours a month to get in touch to add their name to the roster. Shifts are two hours long, training is provided, and you will be paired with another volunteer each shift,” Ms Baker said.
The food bank will officially open on Monday, March 27, at 12.30pm, with volunteers and supporters invited to enjoy a sausage and a cup of tea in the recently renovated space.
