A GROUP of Upper Yarra organisations are distributing rescued food in Warburton to give residents and community groups a helping hand.
More than 400 kilograms of fresh fruit and vegetables, and produce that would otherwise go to waste, is being snapped up on Chewsday Bite by everyone from pensioners to young disadvantaged families.
Organised between the Upper Yarra’s ADRA (the Adventist Development and Relief Agency), emergency relief organisation LinC Yarra Valley, Upper Yarra Community Enterprise and the Upper Yarra Community House VCAL students, the group is keen to set up a site in Yarra Junction in the near future.
Redwood Community Centre manager Kate Barratt said up to 50 people a week had been utilising the service.
“Through it I’ve got referrals for my kids’ groups and other support agencies,” she said.
“People seem to like the idea and some are bringing in their own goods to pay it forward and help out.”
Ms Barratt said the group began distributing the food about two months ago.
“We’d found out the day before and all this food kept coming in,” she said.
“With one post on Facebook and word of mouth, the food went in about half an hour.”
She said the VCAL students and other volunteer helpers made sure the food was distributed evenly so that everyone was able to take something home.
“We also distribute Ripple kindness cards, so by taking some free food, people then do an act of kindness for another person in return,” she said.
Koha Café chef Fiona Cheron said the food had helped the volunteer group cut costs when cooking for the community.
“I’m hoping the flow-on from this means we might be able to cut costs for our customers too,” she said.
The Mail spoke to several families at last week’s Chewsday Bite, who said it had been a great way to provide nutrition to a diverse range of people.
“It’s give and take as to what you get, but I like the idea the food’s not going to waste,” one mum said.
Another said it gave her better leeway in the budget for other things, being able to feed her children healthy food and then afford a school excursion.
“We’re not rich but we manage, this feels accessible,” she said.
“I probably wouldn’t go to social services and ask for food vouchers but I’m happy to access this … and the Ripple kindness is a great idea.”
