Feed Appeal: Carevan Wagga receives $5000 grant towards food relief program

A leading Wagga charity has been given a funding boost to help keep people in need fed through the annual Feed Appeal, which has raised a record $1.98 million to assist millions across the country facing food crisis.

A Wagga charity which helps those most in need to keep food on the table, especially during the pandemic, has received a funding boost.

Carevan Wagga is the leading food relief program in the Riverina and has been supplying frozen meals to 12 other service providers for distribution.

The Greenfield Park charity has now received a $5000 funding boost to go towards through the national Feed Appeal, which has raised a record $1.96 million during its annual campaign.

The appeal, which was co-founded by News Corp Australia and FareShare, will provided grants in NSW, Victoria, SA, ACT, Queensland, and WA for frontline community charities to purchase much-need equipment such as vans, fridges, freezers and kitchen equipment.

Carevan Wagga provides frozen meals to service providers across the Riverina for vulnerable families.

Carevan Wagga chairwoman Angela Flynn said the grant meant so much to the community and will allow them to “purchase groceries and staples for our meal services.”

“Our aim is to provide healthy and well-balanced meals to support those experiencing food insecurity, social isolation, disadvantage and homelessness,” Ms Flynn said.

“Carevan Wagga relies on the generosity of our community by way of donations of supplies and funds. The grant will enable Carevan Wagga to maintain current production numbers of approximately 450 meals per week.

“We endeavour to engage local suppliers which in turn supports the economy of our community. The growth and capacity of Carevan has been amazing in such a short period with hundreds of meals now being prepared weekly in a purpose build warehouse kitchen.”

Funds raised in the annual campaign will support Australia’s largest charity kitchen FareShare to cook millions of free, nutritious meals for people doing it tough and provide 29 community grants to food relief charities across the nation to expand their meal programs.

The appeal, which was co-founded by News Corp Australia and FareShare, will provided grants in NSW, Victoria, SA, ACT, Queensland, and WA for frontline community charities to purchase much-need equipment such as vans, fridges, freezers and kitchen equipment.

Ms Flynn said the grant would go towards the purchase of pantry staples and additional items needed during the week including items such as canned tomatoes, pasta, cheese, rice, frozen goods, and other condiments.

FareShare chief executive officer Marcus Godinho has been working hard to help those in need.

The Feed Apeal co-founder and FareShare chief executive Marcus Godinho said the funding would have an immediate impact on people struggling to put food on the table.

“FareShare is experiencing the greatest escalation in demand for its meals in our 20-year history with charities requesting double the number of meals they usually order, other charities having to be placed on a waiting list and individuals seeking us out for meals,” he said.

News Corp Australia’s community ambassador Penny Fowler said: “the incredible result from this year’s fundraising would have a direct impact on the most disadvantaged Australians.

“The generosity of those who supported the Feed Appeal this year cannot be understated. This funding crucially will help ensure those in need will not have to worry about where their next meal will come from, or how to feed their family.

“Thank you to everyone who donated and especially Woolworths customers for supporting the Feed Appeal‘s mission to feed Australia.”

Since its inception, the appeal has raised $9.8 million for community food relief charities and provided almost 20 million meals.

Details: https://carevanwagga.com/