Dandenong Ranges food charity and Belgrave’s Babaji’s Kitchen helps out vulnerable during coronavirus crisis
Just when you think humanity has gone down the gurgler, here’s a group who are making sure those who can’t get food have something to eat during the coronavirus crisis.
Outer East
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A foothills community group is pulling together to make sure the most vulnerable don’t go hungry during the coronavirus crisis.
Community Casseroles put a post on Facebook to tell those doing it tough a simple but powerful message — “we’ve got you”.
The non-profit is part of the Foothills Community Care organisation that helps the vulnerable around Upwey and Ferntree Gully.
“The shops are looking very empty right now and for those who aren’t able to get to the shops the delivery options for groceries aren’t great either,” the post said.
“Many of us aren’t able to stockpile food because it’s just financially not possible. If you’re low on food and can’t get more or you’re too ill to prepare a nourishing meal, we’ve got you.
“If you are struggling right now, you don’t have to feel alone in this.”
The post said the group would drop frozen meals on the doorstep for those who live in the around the Dandenong Ranges.
Foothills Community Care chief executive Stephen Barrington said he had been inundated by requests for help.
Mr Barrington said nearby businesses had come to the rescue and donated meals after events were cancelled, including Belgrave restaurant Babaji’s Kitchen.
“We’re entering some very challenging times now,” he said.
He said the charity wanted to help those who were experiencing a crisis and they don’t have support around them.
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As well as its casserole service, the non-profit also runs socially inclusive community meals on Mondays and Wednesdays, which had been changed to pick-up only because of coronavirus.
Mr Barrington said he would be taking people on good faith and wouldn’t be confirming anyone’s authenticity.
“I’m sure there will be those who exploit but most are genuine,” he said.
“Our motto is to treat everyone the way you want to be treated and everything will work itself out.
“We witness so much isolation and despair, we want to be able to show an alternative.”