Anti-Poverty Week: Pizza delivered to those in need

With demand for food relief more than doubling during the coronavirus pandemic, a local business is giving back to those in need.

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SOME of Hobart’s most vulnerable have enjoyed a fresh slice of pizza during Anti-Poverty Week after the pandemic has caused food relief demand to more than double across the country.

Da Angelo’s co-owner Angelo Fraraccio brought about 30 boxes of steaming pizzas to Hobart City Mission on Monday where the Safe Space program offers homeless people 24-hour services, including mental health, housing connect, food relief and shelter.

The restaurateur was grateful for the “overwhelming” public support as his business struggled through COVID-19, saying it felt appropriate to return the favour to people living below the poverty line in Hobart.

“Hopefully this puts a smile on their faces and lets people know that … we’re all trying to get through this together to look after each other,” he said.

From left, Danny Sutton, from Colony 47, Angelo Fraraccio, of Da Angelo's, and Hobart City Mission’s John Stubley. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Hobart City Mission and Colony 47 helped organise the pizza event in an annual tradition with Da Angelos to highlight Anti-Poverty Week, which runs until Saturday.

Colony 47 CEO Danny Sutton said other charities receiving pizzas included Colourful Place shelter for 12- to 16-year-olds, Mara House shelter for young women, and Eureka Clubhouse for people recovering from mental health issues.

He said migrants on temporary visas, young people and international students were at particular risk of living in poverty.

The Foodbank Hunger Report 2020 released on Monday detailed the pandemic’s “profound” effect on food insecurity.

The report found demand for food relief has more than doubled, with 31 per cent of Australians seeking food relief at least once a week this year compared to 15 per cent last year.