Tara Murray
The Loaves and Fishes Foodbank in St Albans has helped many people over the years and that number is increasing.
The foodbank has been running for 21 years through Holy Eucharist Parish.
Manager Charlie Desira said the recent COVID-19 pandemic, along with other factors, meant more and more people were seeking help.
The foodbank currently has 831 people registered for food parcels who are on welfare including refugees, pensioners, people with disability and single parents.
With the assistance of Foodbank Victoria, Oz Harvest and Fare Share they provide more than 300 food parcels a week and deliver packages to more than 50 people who can’t access them.
“We’ve been really busy and we’re collecting food at three locations,” he said.
“Due to COVID and a few other things we are seeing more people than ever. People were struggling with payments and a higher cost of living.
“We are seeing different types of people. We know a lot of people are struggling.”
Such is the demand, the group has outgrown its current locations and are trying to to get a larger and better facility.
“Due to the high demand of families that we assist we are in need of a larger area,” Mr Desira said.
“We want to continue serving people with better conditions and more adequate food they require to make their life better.”
The group also accepts money and food donations from people who want to help out.
Mr Desira said it normally costs about $20,000 to provide the packages they put together.
