Toowoomba depot opens for food hamper charity

CUT-PRICE grocery hampers are flying out the door of the new Loaves and Fishes depot in Harristown.

CUT-PRICE grocery hampers are flying out the door of the new Loaves and Fishes depot in Harristown.

The charity set up its South St outlet three weeks ago and word is quickly getting out about its "no one leaves hungry" ethos.

The service is run by a team of volunteers, most of whom are customers themselves.

"We're able to source materials cheaper and then offer them to the public at a lower cost than your general supermarket," administration manager Charmaine Schilt said.

A warehouse has been converted into a pseudo-supermarket, allowing struggling families to choose between fresh meat, vegetables, frozen meals and a range of other goods to include in their hampers.

The team at Loaves and Fishes Street Meet Care Services at their new depot in South St. Picture: Chris Calcino

Store manager Aaron Whiting is also president of the Loaves and Fishes street ministry - a motorcycle club that focuses on feeding the homeless.

He hopes to set up a new chapter in Toowoomba.

"We want to reach out to the youth, to see them going town a different path to the one we went down," he said.

Anyone who wishes to volunteer or join the street ministry can call the Loaves and Fishes office on 4634 2252.

Loaves and Fishes

• New depot at 10/493 South St, Harristown
• Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm

Originally published as Toowoomba depot opens for food hamper charity