In early May a call went out for expressions of interest in the development of a Foodbank NSW distribution centre in Young.
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Foodbank NSW is a non-denominational, community supported not-for-profit organisation that collects surplus food and re-distributes it through community service agencies, to people who meet the eligibility criteria.
It was founded in 1992 and collects surplus and donated food and grocery products from food manufacturers, distributors and retailers and distributes it through participating agencies to the people who will most benefit.
More than 470 community groups, schools and charities are supplied with the food it collects.
Upwards of 30 people representing 24 organisations attended the inaugural meeting.
These comprised community members, workers from state, federal and non-government community services and the health sector, local charity organisations, the clergy, businesses and employment agencies.
Cowra and Canowindra both have established Foodbank distribution centres and Kim Withers the manager of the Cowra Foodhall, attended the Young meeting and described how their model works.
Kim extended an invitation for those interested to join her at the Cowra Foodhall to see the program in action.
Those who attended were very impressed by the range of groceries available and the wonderful social opportunity afforded to members who chatted together over a cuppa while their orders were filled.
This social benefit was an unexpected but much welcomed outcome which has afforded members opportunities to make real connections with others in their community.
Planning is underway to facilitate the Young Foodhall Model.
The program will be run by a management committee and manned by teams of volunteers who work together to provide the service.
While Young Foodhall is in its early planning stages, we are extending an invitation to all community minded individuals and businesses to come along to the meetings being held fortnightly at 5pm.
These meetings are held in the Verto office in Boorowa Street on Wednesdays, with the next meeting scheduled for September 18.
We are also looking for people willing to volunteer at the Food Hall and would ask them to register their interest by contacting Naomi Peters at the Young and District Community Hub on 6382 6328 or Deena McGregor at Job Centre Australia on 6382 3222.
