The Lockington Bush Nursing Centre launched the program in December 2024 after recognising a need for support in the local community.
Project manager Michelle Stephenson said the FoodShare team was proud of the program’s progress so far.
“We’re very proud of the service and the volunteers, and we didn’t understand the scope of what it was going to be when we started,” she said.
“We’re very lucky that we’ve had the capacity to access the grants that we’ve received, so that’s helped us with this setup.
“We are also very excited that we’ve been able to create something that suits the Locky community.”
When the program initially launched, it was run once a month out of the heritage complex in conjunction with monthly community meals.
Today, the program has grown so much that shelf and freezer space has expanded, and the service now runs on a weekly basis for people who need more regular support.
For those who are unable to cook their own meals, such as the elderly or vulnerable people, the community kitchen provides pre-cooked meals that can be frozen.
The Bush Nursing Centre also provides hampers and emergency food relief for those who need help outside the FoodShare program.
Ms Stephenson said the community’s trust in the program had continued to grow.
“We've definitely built a lot of confidence within the community, with using the program,” she said.
“I also think the connection to the Bush Nursing Centre, that people can access food support through there, also breaks down a lot of those barriers.
“We are still promoting the program and making people feel comfortable with using the service.”
The FoodShare team hopes to continue growing the program in its second year by working with the local school to promote the program and other initiatives.
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