Orange City Council has welcomed the decision by Orange’s Harris Farm outlet to make food available to families in need during the COVID-19 crisis.
The Orange branch of the fresh food retailer this week began making fruit and vegetables available to local agencies to distribute to families.
Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said it was a great gesture by Harris Farm and Council was pleased to support it.
FRESH FOOD: Mayor Reg Kidd is pictured with the sorted food trays, with council staff members Renae Meacham and Aleaha Bennett.
“A move like this couldn’t have come at a better time and Council staff are pleased to assist to make local connections and help it come together,” Cr Reg Kidd said.
“This is how it will work. Starting from this week Harris Farm are making make nutritious fruit and vegetables available every morning, along with cardboard trays. It will be wheeled across the Orange arcade to where local businessman John Swain has generously agreed to make a nearby store available at no charge as a place where food can be sorted.
“To get the scheme off the ground quickly, a number of Council staff will then be involved for an hour or so, packing a family-sized amount of food into each tray. These trays will then be delivered to a number of local agencies with good connections into the community. They will then make them available to local families.
“It’s an important part of the new system that these agencies are directly involved. Organisations like Foodbank have an established system of getting food to families who need it. Families should contact these agencies directly.
“During the COVID-19 crisis, there are many more families and elderly residents who have to be isolated who could benefit from this scheme.”
The fruit & vege trays are being distributed by:
- Foodcare
- The Benevolent Society
- Veritas House
- Mission Australia
- Housing Plus
- Barnardos
- Birrang
- Orange Family Support
- Choices at Home/Meals on Wheels
