“We’re hearing things like, ‘we never thought it would be us’.” – Focus group participant
Surveys, focus groups, and interviews from the Food For Thought Research were in consensus that demand for food relief has increased, and is expected to continue rising. Agencies also experience changes in demand with regard to changing client cohorts and complexity.
FEED ME INC
“Being a beacon of kindness at the forefront of the… shift in perspective.”
FeedMe Bellarine and Surf Coast (‘FeedMe’) started in 2019 as an extension of its founders catering business, to provide excess food to those in need. The demand for services skyrocketed due to COVID-19 and produced an alternative sourcing and distribution model.
FeedMe now provide food relief to over 2,000 families per week across multiple locations, addressing the availability and stability dimensions of food security. The model operates with a ‘no questions asked’ policy and does not require identification or criteria to access their services, lowering barriers to the utilisation of their services.
Staffed by a large volunteer base of over 500 people, volunteer attraction and retention is premised on prioritising wellbeing and mental health. Funding comes from a variety of sources including local philanthropists, community donations, grants, and their own catering arm.
“Knowing the stories that were coming from the community of people needing help, but finding limitations and barriers to other agencies that already existed because they didn’t qualify. Or they couldn’t access them, or they were at the wrong times, or they didn’t want to sit in an interview.”
Challenges identified include increasing demand, lack of government funding and support, limited availability of donated food, and a lack of affordable housing in the region putting pressure on social services.
FeedMe plays a leadership role in the community, modelling empathy, kindness, and sustainable practices. New ventures include collaborating with fine dining establishments to promote food sustainability and security. Through their services, the dimensions of food security addressed by FeedMe include availability, stability, and utilisation.