Food relief hits the road

Echuca Neighbourhood House co-ordinator Sarah Peake said the idea came after noticing how many people were travelling long distances to access the service.

“I started asking (Campaspe Shire Council) about communities within the Campaspe Shire that are really struggling with food security,” she said.

“Half our clients come in from over the bridge ... and a lot of residents come from Gunbower and further as well.

“So I thought, how do we go about taking what we've already got to these people without having to technically open a whole new house?”

To take the project on the road, the organisation’s under-used community van was stripped of its seats and fitted with commercial-sized camping fridges and additional storage space.

The converted vehicle now carries groceries, fresh produce and up to 130 pre-cooked meals to communities across the region.

The meals have been prepared through a growing network of community groups, including local schools, organisations and Echuca Regional Health’s Cooking for Change program.

Ms Peake said the community response had been overwhelming, with donations arriving faster than they could store them.

“We’ve been absolutely smashed with support, which is fantastic,” she said.

“Those fridges are loaded with a third of the meals that we've received this week.

“Every time there’s been a crisis in our community, people step up to help. We’re very fortunate to live where we do.”

While community support has been strong, Ms Peake said ongoing funding would be essential to keep the service operating.

“The only thing we need is funds to keep it going,” she said.

“Ten dollars will feed a family for a week. Fifty dollars will fill the bus with fuel for a fortnight and get us to Gunbower and Mathoura.”

The mobile food bank made its first stop in Gunbower on Wednesday, June 10, and is set to travel to Mathoura on Wednesday, June 17.

While meals continue to flow in, fresh produce remains one of the hardest items to source and is a priority for food relief providers.

Anyone wishing to donate fresh produce can drop it off at Echuca Neighbourhood House.