In response to an increased demand for essential food from those most in need, not-for-profit Serving Our People has joined Foodbank Queensland as a Member Charity.
The Foodbank Membership comes as individuals and families are feeling the pinch following the Reserve Bank of Australia’s 11th interest rate rise, and ongoing rising household bills.
With food being one of the first items many families sacrifice in the face of hardship, the support from Foodbank Queensland will allow Serving Our People to expand its reach, directly supporting families struggling to make ends meet.
Foodbank Queensland Interim CEO, Jill Mee said they are proud to welcome Serving Our People to the Foodbank community as one of the organisation’s valued Member Charities.
“Right now, one in five Queensland households are experiencing hunger each year. Working together with charities like Serving Our People, we can give food and hope to those most in need in our local community,” said Ms Mee.
In Logan, due to an increasing need for local support, Logan City Council has provided Serving Our People with a grant to help facilitate the rollout of six donation boxes at high-foot traffic businesses and supermarkets.
Lifestyle Chair Tony Hall said the Community Response grant from Council would assist Serving Our People to support those in the community that are experiencing hardship and homelessness and need a little help.
“We are pleased to support this worthwhile project through funding,” Cr Hall said.
“Our grant programs strengthen social, environmental, cultural and economic development in the city and support organisations working in the community.”
The six donation boxes are strategically placed to collect non-perishable food and essential items for the Logan community.
Those in a position to help are encouraged to donate items such as food, toothpaste, bottled water, and sanitary items for Serving Our People to turn into ‘bags of love’ which are delivered to households in need.
With each donation box feeding up to 40 families fortnightly, around 1,500 of the most vulnerable people across Logan are set to benefit from this initiative each month.
Participating locations in the City of Logan include Coles Loganholme, Coles Logan Central, Woolworths Woodridge, Woolworths Logan Village, Woolworths Beenleigh and Aldi Bethania.
Serving Our People’s Founder and President Yas Matbouly said the donation box initiative is a support measure that many families have come to rely upon.
“With ongoing cost of living pressures in our local communities, we are proud to have the support of Foodbank Queensland, local Councillors and Logan City Council as we continue to expand our reach and impact.
“We’re asking individuals and businesses who can help to give what they can, donating to Serving Our People’s donation boxes, becoming a regular donor by joining ‘The Fight Against Hunger’, or volunteering to help us feed those most in need.”