The linen and food items will be distributed via FoodShare networks of registered agencies that support vulnerable community members, particularly young people.
Distribution of clothing will start in 2022.
It all came about due to a happy coincidence.
SarasCare was looking for storage space for its relief goods when friend and supporter of FoodShare Cam Mangiameli, who was helping the group, put members in contact with FoodShare.
“After hearing of SarasCare’s desire to help our community and the problems they had experienced we were keen to assist them to ensure our community received the material aid they need at this time,” Shepparton FoodShare chair Jeremy Rensford said.
SarasCare, based in Melbourne, delivers direct relief to people in need.
“SarasCare has already distributed over $1 million worth of brand new clothes and shoes in Melbourne and now they plan to expand their services in Shepparton,” Gautam Gupta from SarasCare said.
“Shepparton FoodShare is kindly storing, sorting and distributing these goods.”
Demand for food relief and FoodShare’s services has been at an all-time high because of the pandemic.
During the August COVID-19 outbreak — that saw one-third of Shepparton residents locked down — over a 10-day period, FoodShare processed 88,727kg of rescued and donated food and distributed 61,000kg of food to locals in isolation.
FoodShare has relied on its own fundraising efforts and community support to keep its doors open.
It supplies 100 emergency relief agencies, churches, community meals programs and schools with free food for distribution.
Since 2012, Shepparton FoodShare has distributed 3.3 million kilograms of food to the most vulnerable in the community.
Shepparton FoodShare requires a more permanent base and Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell has been pushing for funding of from the Victorian Government to build it.
“The minister needs to support Shepparton FoodShare and provide the $950,000 in funding to allow this wonderful organisation to continue its crucial role in helping the most vulnerable members of the community,” she said.
Agencies that are not yet registered with Shepparton FoodShare but would like to collect food or aid for the people they support could download an agency registration form from the FoodShare website at www.sheppartonfoodshare.org.au
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