Emergency food deliveries for struggling Australians being considered

Australia has plenty of food but charities and the government are racing to come up with new ways to get it to the most vulnerable members of our society.

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Emergency food supplies would be delivered directly to the doors of struggling Australians as part of a broad plan being considered by the Federal Government.

OzHarvest, and federally funded charities such as Foodbank and Second Bite, which are being being relied on more than ever amid the coronavirus crisis, are currently unable to do home deliveries.

But in light of rising demand, and long delays in online delivery services from supermarkets, the Government is working on ways to use other charities to deliver food donated to the likes of Foodbank and OzHarvest.

Australian Minister for Social Services Anne Ruston. Picture: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

People could also be given help to pay for petrol and given an alternative to purchasing on credit cards, as part of a plan that will be discussed in more detail today.

Families and Social Services Minister Anne Ruston, pictured, will today be presented a list of needs from community organisations after she asked them to provide the “cold hard facts” about how the coronavirus crisis was affecting services.

Senator Ruston asked charities to outline concerns around workforces, suppliers and current demand. Options to address concerns include:

ASSISTANCE to retain, source and increase workforce capacity, including volunteers.

MAKING existing government-funded contracts more flexible, to allow organisations to redeploy paid staff to undertake work usually done by volunteers where suitable.

SUPPORTING food home delivery services.

GIVING financial help to people who are unable to pay bills and other essentials such as food, clothing and petrol.

EXPANDING the No Interest Loan Scheme so people unable to meet unexpected costs such as car and airconditioner repairs, or new whitegoods, do not need to use credit cards and high-interest lenders.

Foodbank SA chief executive Greg Pattinson yesterday made a plea for more food donations. “While so many have rushed to the supermarkets to stock more food than the current recommendation, those who are vulnerable in our community have been left without,” he said.

He had earlier warned it would need government help to take on paid staff, in the event it loses too many volunteers to keep operating. About 60 per cent of its 250 volunteers were older people who were more vulnerable to illnesses including coronavirus.

Meals on Wheels has enough food, but needs more volunteer delivery drivers ahead of an expected demand hike. Chief executive Sharyn Broer said the commitment was as little as a couple of hours a fortnight.

Senator Ruston said the Government would ensure organisations that help the vulnerable could keep doing so.