Bendigo food bank freezes new partners as fresh produce stocks plummet
Bendigo Foodshare has 15,000kg less fresh fruit and vegetables than last year despite record demand.
Central Victoria's leading food charity, Bendigo Foodshare, has put a freeze on accepting new partners for the first time in its history. Fresh produce supplies have hit critically low levels, down 15,000kg from the same period last year.
The charity serves more than 17,000 people weekly across central Victoria through more than 100 food partners. Despite the shortage, demand keeps climbing and fresh food is the most sought item.
The charity needs to spend about $1,000 per week to meet demand, costs it cannot sustain without help. It has launched a Fresh Food Appeal targeting $50,000 to buy an extra 15,000kg of produce.
Ms Murphy said supermarkets are reducing waste, meaning less surplus produce reaches the charity.
- 15,000kg
- Fresh produce shortfall
- 17,000+
- People served weekly
- $1,000
- Weekly cost to meet demand
- $50,000
- Fresh Food Appeal target
Why it mattersThousands of central Victorians relying on the charity for nutrition now face going without fresh fruit and vegetables.
AustraliaA critical food relief service in central Victoria is stretched beyond capacity, forcing it to turn away new families in need for the first time.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
