Increasing cost-of-living pressures has seen a surge in demand for local foodbank services.
The Kindness Collective Kyneton Foodbank coordinator Lisa Jackson said community food donations were greatly appreciated in the lead up to Christmas as more people signed up for the service.
“Over the past couple of weeks we’ve had more and more people register with the rising cost of everything,” she said.
“We’re finding that people who are working, as well as those who are not, have been in need of support.”
Ms Jackson said there were about 400 people registered for the foodbank service, which provides free food for Macedon Ranges residents facing hardship.
The needs of each individual / family is assessed and a ‘credit budget’ allocated for them to ‘shop’ the shelves, fridge and freezer.
“People’s needs are always different and we can find out how best to assist after we talk to them about their situation,” Ms Jackson said.
“Some people only need short-term relief while others may need more ongoing support. We can also link people to other services in the region that may be helpful.”
The Kindness Collective Kyneton runs the foodbank alongside its op shop, drop-in space, soup kitchen and crisis relief.
The items from the foodbank come from community and business donations, and items purchased with the funds raised through The Kindness Collective Op Shop. Meals are also packed and frozen from whatever is left from the community lunches held each month.
Donations are always welcomed. Some of the items currently in demand include shampoo/conditioner, washing detergent, baked beans / tinned spaghetti, jar sauces and soap.
Donations of food and sanitary items can be delivered directly to the foodbank, located next door to Ryan’s IGA, at 60 Mollison Street, open Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm.
Donation bins for non-perishable food are also located at Ryan’s IGA in Kyneton, Woolworths Kyneton, and Coles Woodend.
The Kindness Collective Kyneton team can be contacted on: 5422 1163. For more information visit: tkc.org.au/foodbank
