A partnership between Foodbank NSW and ACT and Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation (NPCF) is aiming to reach vulnerable families across Central and Western NSW, as they attempt to combat the severe food insecurity of over two million Australian households.

With Christmas fast approaching, the two organisations are calling for donations in the form of a food drive asking local communities to donate food and personal care items for those doing it tough to Newcastle Permanent branches in Mudgee and Dubbo. 

The recruitment of a Community Food Relief Coordinator in Dubbo, thanks to a $137,000 grant from NPCF, will aim to improve food accessibility in the region.

Travis Hill of Dubbo has taken on the role and said his work is cut out for him as the full extent of the problem hits home.

“We have partnered with organisations across the west,” said Mr Hill. “We gather all the donations we receive from around the region as well as from Sydney Markets and Amazon and we put them into hampers. We then distribute these hampers via the organisations we are working with.

“Families and people in general are doing it hard at this time of year and we want to help as much as we can.

“If any organisations wish to become part of the program they just need to jump on the website, hit the link and fill out the information for community partners and we will contact them and work with them in their area,” said Mr Hill.

“We have covered the areas of Parkes, Forbes, Nyngan, Coonamble and Condobolin, and are hoping early in the new year to get further out to Cobar, Bourke, Walgett, Brewarrina, places like that, to see how we can help out there.”

3CN Church in Nyngan who has partnered with Foodbank and holds fortnightly events.

“We always welcome donations and if people wish to help check the website and all the information is on there.”

“Our vision is that everyone has access to the food and grocery items that they need, and we work towards this goal by delivering food and household items to people in times of need. 

“Food insecurity can and does affect households each and every day, so we are incredibly grateful to Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation for supporting us in expanding services and helping those in need.”

New, unopened goods including bottled water, UHT milk, cereal, pasta and pasta sauces, tinned food and meals with ring pulls, personal care items including deodorant and sanitary items, baby food and formula, and Christmas foods such as pudding and biscuits can be donated to Newcastle Permanent branches in Mudgee and Dubbo until 18 December.

Foodbank NSW & ACT CEO John Robertson - Image Foodbank

Foodbank NSW & ACT CEO John Robertson said this support is crucial as regional communities are at greater risk of food insecurity, especially at Christmas time.

“Regional communities are one of the groups struggling to put food on the table, with people battling low earnings, high food prices, and limited choices and availability.

“The festive season should be a time of joy and celebration, but those struggling are likely to go without, so we are honoured to partner with Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation on our Food Drive to provide much-needed food and personal care items across the Central West,” Mr Robertson said.