Groups band together to lend Foodbank helping hand

Several local organisations have teamed up with the State Government to provide Foodbank Geraldton with supplies ahead of a busy Christmas period.

The Government provided 10 pallets of food, to the value of $10,000, to the local hunger relief centre last month.

Rigters Supermarket Group put through the produce at cost price, making no profit, while Skippers Transport also got on board to deliver the goods for free.

The Government will provide $40,000 to Foodbank over the next four years as part of its Local Projects, Local Jobs program.

Agricultural Region MLC Laurie Graham said the funding would be used to buy food when donations were in short supply.

“There are times throughout the year when supplies such as meat, vegetables and canned foods are in high demand and donations are limited,” he said.

“We are hopeful that this funding can be used to fill those gaps.

“The grant over four years will enable Foodbank to top up the foods to ensure that no one is left hungry.”

On a busy day, Foodbank Geraldton can have up to 150 people through their doors in need of assistance.

Centre acting manager Jamie O’Brien said the donation was well received, with things expected to ramp up over the festive season.

“The commitment is reassuring because when things get a little dire we know we have that behind us,” he said.

“Especially now when things get really busy the week before Christmas . . . we’re actually pretty well stocked up now.

“I still won’t say ‘no’ to donations though because each year we have a lull after the holiday period.”