By Eleanor Wilson
Throughout the month of June, Casey Cardinia Libraries is encouraging locals to drop in a can of food or two for its annual Food Drive.
Partnering with the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre’s Foodbank, which feeds around 1000 individuals, the drive aims to collect non-perishable goods for refugees in need.
In Australia, people with refugee status often have limited income and working rights, making them vulnerable to food insecurity.
Casey Cardinia Libraries customer experience officer Sam Benton said she originally suggested the Food Drive as a way to promote and support Refugee Week, which runs in the month of June.
Ms Benton said she hopes the second annual Food Drive will be bigger and better than ever.
“Last year was tricky because we were in lock down for more than half of June, so what we did collect was very generous,” she said.
“We’ve got a fantastic community.”
Despite the logistical restrictions, last year’s drive managed to collect 13 boxes of food supplies for refugees.
The libraries are welcoming donations of the following items:
Tuna in oil 400g
Tinned tomatoes 400g
Honey small bottles
Raw unsalted nuts almonds, walnuts, cashews
Spices small packs cumin, turmeric, chilli
Coconut cream
Sweet and savoury biscuits
Dried fruit apricots, dates
Peanut butter
Jam
Full cream UHT milk 1 litre
Deodorant
Disposable razors
Shampoo and conditioner
Laundry power max 1kg
Dishwashing liquid 1 litre
