Providing hundreds of meals everyday to those less fortunate is no easy task.
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And now, thanks to two grants, Warrnambool and District's Food Share's mission has just become a whole lot easier.
An out-of-the-blue phone call late last week found Food Share's executive officer Dedy Friebe with more than $19,000 on his hands.
"I was quite surprised to receive a call from the Rena and Fletcher Jones Foundation and the Isobel and David Jones Foundation donating a combined total of $19,700," he said.
"We didn't even apply for these grants.
"It just goes to show the significance of our services as a necessity for the community."
In 2018 Warrnambool and District Food Share sent out 15,000 boxes of food to the less fortunate in the community.
Since 2014, 55,010 people have received food from the not-for-profit services, 10,684 families have been helped and 715 tonnes of food has gone out.
Currently, our local Food Share is supplying approximately 300 meals a day.
With all produce donated to Food Share by the community or supermarkets the additional funding will go a long way to ensure stock is full and services will thrive.
Community support
Mr Friebe has been humbled by the ongoing support of the Warrnambool and district community for continuing donating food to the service.
In a May 30 Facebook post on the Warrnambool and District Food Share page, Mr Friebe highlighted the need for more donations of canned meals for the winter months.
"Please help the lonely can," he wrote.
"With winter on our doorstep we are seeking support with donations of tinned soup, canned spaghetti and baked beans.
"A spike in local demand has cleaned us out."
Within 45 minutes 100 cans had been donated to Food Share.
And now, the shelves of the Harrington Road storage facility are overflowing.
"The donations we receive show the great output by the community to help people and families in need," Mr Friebe said.
If you would like to donate food or money to the Warrnambool and District Food Share head to warrnambooldfs.org.au
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