General News
6 April, 2023
For those in need
CAMPERDOWN Community House is once again running a Food Bank service for those in need.
CAMPERDOWN Community House is once again running a Food Bank service for those in need.
Camperdown & District Food Bank aims to support members of the Corangamite community who find themselves in the position where they require food relief.
Camperdown Community House is the only Food Bank Victoria and Warrnambool Food Share registered food relief agency in Corangamite.
The Camperdown and District Food Bank provides food hampers of non-perishable foods that cover items for each meal of the day and are packed by Community House’s team of volunteers to ensure that there will be enough to last over a number of days.
Non-food items such as personal hygiene products, nappies and pet food are also available on request.
Each hamper has a dollar value of up to $150.
Coordinator Emily Mercer said Community House distributed over $30,000 worth of food and non-food items across the Corangamite region last year.
“We have seen an unprecedented increase in need across the shire for food relief over the last 12 months,” she said.
“In November and December 2022 alone, we have distributed over 82 hampers, not including personal hygiene packs and other non-food essential items (such as cat food).
“We can all find ourselves experiencing periods of financial stress or circumstances that make it difficult to juggle all of the financial pressures life can bring.
“We should never be in a position where we have to choose between purchasing food and paying a bill or any other of life’s essentials.”
Ms Mercer said the Food Bank does not currently receive any recurrent funding.
“This service is funded solely by grant funds we can secure year by year and donations we receive from the public,” she said.
“We will be launching a number of fundraising initiatives this year in order to have the service less reliant on grant funding that is not always secure.
“Camperdown Community House is committed to continuing the development of this service to support all Corangamite residents that find themselves in need of food relief, and to support emergency response measures when needed.
“If you or someone you know are in need of emergency food relief, please contact one of our community partners that is most convenient for you.”
Camperdown and District Food Bank is available through the following agencies/community organisations:
Corangamite Shire, contact Belinda R or Holly 5593 7100
Cobden Uniting Church Op Shop, contact Helen 0422 320 773
Camperdown Uniting Church 5593 2323
Camperdown Vinnies 0437 726 654
Camperdown Mental Health Service, contact Leanne 5593 6000
Manifold Place Community Health, contact Penny or Cheryl 5557 0900
Terang Mortlake Vinnies contact 0459 047 620
Timboon and District Healthcare, contact Hayley 5558 6000
Simpson Community Centre, contact Debbie 5594 3448