Anglicare Victoria has expanded its mobile food relief service to Pakenham, deploying the AV Aid Van in a time of increased need in communities.
“We’re seeing more families who have never used our services before, more parents working extra part time jobs to afford the necessities. The cost of living is really taking a toll,” project coordinator, Cindy-Lee Harper said.
“A lot of families come to the east for a supposedly cheaper cost of living, but we’re seeing more families with two adults working who cannot make ends meet.
“Unaffordable, insecure housing paired with rising energy, education and transport costs have had a big impact, especially in a peri-urban region such as Cardinia.
“Homelessness levels have increased and there’s growing numbers of ‘hidden homeless,’ those who are couch surfing or living in their cars.”
The AV Aid Van’s monthly visits to Anglicare Victoria’s Pakenham Parentzone Hub – located within Pakenham Hills Primary School – coincide with the community playgroup.
The Hub is also connected to the Nappy Collective and Thread Together Wardrobe.
The next two visits will be on Wednesdays 14 May and 11 June from 10am to 12pm.
“The need is high out our way and people are happy to be assisted. Within our local schools and kindergartens, but beyond that too. We’re getting people coming all the way from Clyde. They leave with groceries, nappies and maybe a clean pair of knickers,” Cindy-Lee said.
On 1 May, Anglicare Victoria will launch its Winter Appeal with the aim to raise funds to ‘Take Hunger off the Table’ for families in the south east – and across the state.
Chris de Pavia oversees Anglicare Victoria’s 16 Emergency Relief Centres and said the work to support hungry families was made possible by the generosity of everyday Victorians.
“Last year, we were able to provide over 25 thousand food parcels and supermarket vouchers to those in need, that’s families and individuals who would otherwise go hungry,” he said.
“The demand for food relief is high as we head into the colder months. We’re encouraging people to dig deep as tax time approaches.”
A donation of $70 to Anglicare Victoria can provide a week’s worth of healthy school lunches for a child, $150 can provide a bag of groceries for people with no food in the house, and $200 can ensure a family of four has three meals a day for a week.
“We’re grateful for whatever people can give, every little bit helps,” Chris said.
You can donate today at giving.anglicarevic.org.au.
