As the cost of living crisis continues, Lakes Entrance Neighbourhood House is seeing an ever increasing need for support at their food assistance program on Wednesday mornings.
Manager of the House, Gayle Webster, recently stated that in the first half of this year, 1651 children, single and partnered adults have been assisted. She said because pets have such an important role in many people’s lives there has also been 337 dogs and 297 cats assisted with food.
“We have seen an increase in aged pensioners, those on disability support and a larger amount of single people, the majority have seen an increase in their rent recently, even families where both parents are working part time but cannot make ends meet,” Gayle said.
“This crisis is much broader than the homeless and unemployed. For example, where a pensioner’s partner has passed away or is in an aged care facility and they still must cover the same rent on a single pension.
“Anybody can access our services, not just healthcare card holders, as there are so many effected by food insecurity.”
As we have all the witnessed, the cost of food items and other essentials has skyrocketed.
“Last year we would see a family leave with an average shopping trolley valued around $150 of supplies, we recently evaluated that they now leave with the same amount but it averages $250,” Gayle said.
Lakes Entrance Neighbourhood House has been pleased to receive a grant from StreetSmart, who back small grassroots organisations that tirelessly support people facing homelessness.
This grant has enabled the House to purchase a freezer, blankets, socks, beanies. At this time of year it has been very welcomed.
“Although we have local ladies who knit beanies etc., in these colder months they are in high demand,” Gayle said.
In addition to the material items Gayle was able to purchase Milo, coffee, cup of soups and biscuits that they don’t normally provide to hand out as a special treat over these cold months.
“We are very grateful for this grant, but it is also our loyal local businesses, clubs and individuals that keep us going,” Gayle said.
“In the past six months we have had donations from Lakes Entrance Volunteer Craft Group, Metung Bloodhounds, Combined Churches being the Anglican, St Brendan’s, Baptist, Uniting and Lakes Community Church, Rotary and East Gippsland Water. Cash donations are also very important from local people who may choose to remain anonymous, these help purchase items not available through Foodbank.
“We also recognise donations week in/week out from Petstock, KPs Eatery, Gippsland Bake-house, and Gippsland Lakes Complete Health staff. This indicates that local organisations and businesses have trust in what we are doing.”
Other partners that are vital are Food Bank Victoria which the Neighbourhood House can purchase at discounted rates up to two thirds of their essential foods and Oz Harvest Woolworths who donate varying items weekly.
Gayle explained that apart from the food support service on Wednesday they also make fresh fruit and vegetables, pantry items and personal items available to the Baptist Church playgroup and Lakes Entrance Kindergarten.
“This helps spread the service to those who cannot get here on a Wednesday,” Gayle said.
“The service would not be available if wasn’t for all the hard work done by our volunteers.
“We have 20 to 25 volunteers who are all members of the Lakes Entrance community including Rotary, Churches and Craft Groups. They give hours of work and we are so grateful to them,” Gayle said.
Regardless of your circumstances this organisation will provide respectful and caring assistance in difficult times.
No appointments are necessary, just turn up on a Wednesday from 10.30 am until 1.30 pm.
IMAGE: Vivienne Lunt was busy restocking shelves last Monday in preparation for Wednesday.
