How Mamma Penny could change lives for refugees and single mums in south west Sydney
Mamma Penny, the new project launched in Canterbury Bankstown to help refugees and single mums affected by domestic violence, could be the life changer for many families here.
Mamma Penny, the new project launched in Canterbury Bankstown to help refugees and single mums affected by domestic violence, could be a life changer for many families here.
In a positive six-week pilot project, Mums4Refugees has linked up with Punchbowl-based Penny Appeal and Addison Road Community Centre (ADCC) to provide a boxful of goodies at just $5 every Friday.
This is also aimed at reducing the feeling of isolation these people are feeling, said Dulce Munoz, national organiser at Mums4Refugees.
Residents can also access the several services they need while picking up the boxes of items from the Belmore Youth Resource Centre from 9.30-11.30am on Fridays.
The project, launched last Friday, will be extended if it is successful, said Ms Munoz, who is also the outreach co-ordinator for the Marrickville-based ADCC.
“After years of struggling with raising money for supermarket vouchers to support our clients, Mums4Refugees have partnered with Addison Road Community Centre and Penny Appeal to start a mobile food pantry, Mamma Penny,” said Ms Munoz, stressing this is not about charity but rather empowering the vulnerable.
“There are a lot of refugees in the area who are struggling to buy their medicines and food.
“I will always remember when we reached out to help a young Muslim refugee woman living in Lakemba with five young children, on her own.
“When we visited her, we found that she and her children had been living on nothing but rice and tea for the previous 10 days.
“She had no partner, no family, no friends, and was trying to raise a family with practically no money.
“She was completely isolated and desperate about the welfare of her children.
“These are the people the Mamma Penny project is trying to reach out to, and the project aligns perfectly with our values that justice is economic dignity, food security and self-determination.”
ADCC CEO Rosanna Barbero said they have been working with Penny Appeal to develop a cross cultural program which would address the issue of food insecurity, as well as help build positive relationships between Muslim and non-Muslim Australians.
“Both organisations were concerned about how some politicians and press were helping to create an enabling environment for anti-Muslim sentiment,” Ms Barbero said.
Ms Munoz said Mums4Refugees pick up fresh fruit and vegetables, bread and pantry items from the ADCC food pantry, and take it to Canterbury-Bankstown where, for just $5, families can buy fresh food, fruit, vegetables, pantry items and toiletries.
“Mamma Penny will also provide free services, including a playgroup for kids, and a child minding service and other support services such as a childcare specialist on hand to make referrals where needed,” Ms Munoz said.
Ms Munoz, originally from Mexico, said she got involved in the humanitarian projects because she was upset about the Australian Government sending refugees to Nauru.
“The idea is simple and empowering for those in need,” Ms Munoz said.
“Mama Penny is not offering charity — we are offering low cost food, free services, and a space to meet up and talk for vulnerable people who need support, who are food insecure, who feel isolated, who don’t have a sense of community to advocate for their rights and dignity.
“We don’t turn anyone away — for people with a limited budget, who could use a hand, you are welcome.
“People on Newstart, a pension, SRSS recipients, people seeking asylum or from a refugee background are particularly welcome.
“The aim of the food pantry is to rescue food that would otherwise be thrown out, such as food that’s past its best before date, with the purpose to help fight food hunger for those people in the community at risk of food insecurity.
Mamma Penny has got the support of former Socceroo and TV commentator Craig Foster.
“Supporting organisations like Mums4Refugees and Addison Road Community Centre’s food pantry is close to the heart of all in football as the game is built on multiculturalism and refugees,” Foster said.
“Sport can amplify important social causes and assist Australia in recognising and abiding by our international human rights obligations.”
ADCC’s chief Rosanna Barbero hopes the project will extend the food security and social justice initiatives they run in the Inner West of Sydney to other areas, and serve as model for other community groups across the country.
Mohammad Kandil from Penny Appeal Australia said: “Food security is a human right and our mission is to help deliver these essential needs everywhere Penny Appeal works. Charity starts at home and this is that start of that work.”
Details: 0423 207 530
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