Feed Queensland Appeal 2020: Food relief charities need your help
A Logan charity packing food hampers for those in need is preparing for demand to skyrocket. Here’s how you can help Queensland food relief charities feed and nourish those who need it most.
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A BRISBANE community support group says Queensland charities are “chronically underfunded” and need more support as they brace for an influx of food relief requests.
With the launch of the Feed Queensland Appeal, community groups say help is needed now more than ever after a year marred by natural disasters, economic downturn and a global pandemic.
Help the needy with the Food Appeal Queensland
Coronavirus has put added strain on Australian community organisations, with some reporting a 50 per cent increase in demand for food relief over April.
Gillian Marshall-Pierce says volunteers at the Logan East Community Neighbourhood Association are bracing for an inevitable surge in requests once job support payments cease in September.
Ms Marshall-Pierce, one of the association’s managers, fears they won’t have the capacity to handle the increase.
“Our program is run by volunteers, at least two of our three emergency relief volunteers are immunocompromised and not willing to come back until a vaccine is available,” Ms Marshall-Pierce said.
“What everyone is bracing for is post-September.
“It’s anticipated the Jobseeker payment and extra supplements will cease.”
Ms Marshall-Pierce said numbers had fluctuated during the coronavirus crisis, but the organisation was already strained by people needing assistance during the bushfires.
She said there needs to be more recognition and better funding for the sector as they were not considered “frontline” workers.
A 2019 grant under the Feed Queensland Appeal has provided some relief to the group.
Ms Marshall-Pierce said they received $13,519 to install new freezers and kitchen equipment.
“We go to food bank every week and what is available can vary,” she said.
“So if we have a lot of beef mince available, we can take that, store it and freeze it for clients as they come through.
“Previously we didn’t have the space for those fresh food items.”
The Appeal aims to relieve pressure off community groups and boost their capacity to store and supply food in times of crisis.
Every dollar donated goes to food charities helping communities across the country.
Help people in your community by donating at feedappeal.org.au.
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