Echuca Neighbourhood House manager Sarah Peake and Trevor Crane with a new plaque marking the occasion.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Growing demand for food support in Echuca has prompted a major upgrade for Echuca Neighbourhood House and the launch of a new community-led program.
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The dual launch event was held on Wednesday, April 15 at the neighbourhood house's High St site, with community members and key organisations in attendance.
The event celebrated the installation of a new cool room and freezer, along with the launch of Feeding Futures, a program designed to help feed the community.
Echuca Neighbourhood House manager Sarah Peake in front of the new cool room.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Echuca Neighbourhood House manager Sarah Peake said supporting people experiencing food insecurity had become an increasing priority.
“In recent years, one of the biggest needs we've seen in our community is access to food,” she said.
“Each week, we support hundreds of individuals and families through food hampers, community meals, and our 24/7 food stands, but the reality is the need is growing.
“We're seeing more people struggling due to rising costs of living, housing pressures and the ongoing impacts of events like the floods.”
Echuca Neighbourhood House manager Sarah Peake spoke on the day about the project’s importance.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
The new cool room and freezer will allow the neighbourhood house to safely store more fresh and frozen food, reduce waste and improve access to healthy, nutritious meals.
The upgrade replaces three large chest freezers and six upright fridges and freezers previously housed in the Food Bank shed, freeing up space for additional shelving.
It is expected the facilities will help reduce energy costs by eliminating the need to run multiple appliances.
The additional storage capacity has also enabled the launch of Feeding Futures, which will bring together local people, schools, clubs, businesses and community groups to prepare meals for those in need.
Moama Bowling Club sales and marketing manager George Santos, Sarah Peake, Trevor Crane and Echuca Lions Club president John Simson.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Ms Peake said the program was focused on connection as much as practical support.
“Feeding Futures is about bringing our community together in a really practical and meaningful way,” she said.
“It’s about connection, it’s about dignity and it’s about making sure no-one in our community goes hungry.
“At the heart of this program is a simple idea — local people feeding local people.”
A plaque commemorating the launch of the Feeding Futures project was also unveiled during the event.
The initiative was made possible through the support of Chobani Australia, Echuca Lions Club, Australian Lions Foundation, Rich River Golf Club, Moama Bowling Club, and Echuca Moama Community Enterprise.
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