Friday 4th September, 2020 – A truckload of food has just arrived at the small border community of Mungindi, which lost its only supermarket, butchery and clothing store in a freak fire on Tuesday night.
CEO of Foodbank NSW & ACT, Gerry Andersen says the former Mungindi RSL building has been flagged as the site for the temporary supermarket with the NSW Government committing $100,000 to set up the temporary grocery store.
Locals spent all day Thursday cleaning the building with the Foodbank produce and emergency hampers among the donations to arrive this morning.
“We were on the phones as soon as we heard the news. The community of Mungindi is suffering through drought, COVID-19 and now the recent fire.”
“The Foodbank truck has arrived at Mungindi with 180 emergency food and 120 personal care hampers as well as mixed fresh produce to assist families and individuals during this time. We’re also working with Mungindi Central School to prepare and distribute lunch for their students.”
“It’s vital we do what we can to support those in need in these challenging times. For the past 28 years Foodbank NSW & ACT (FBNA) has been sourcing and delivering food for hungry Australians. Our statistics show people living in rural and regional areas are 33% more likely to have experienced food insecurity.”
“Our thoughts are with all those affected. The Foodbank family will continue to assist with food relief as we know it takes time for communities to heal and rebuild.” Mr Andersen said.
FBNA is the largest provider of food relief to charities around the state and territory. Right now, the demand for food relief is greater than ever before. The 2019 Foodbank Hunger Report has revealed more than one in five Australians (21%) have been in a situation where they have run out of food and have been unable to eat.
