Support agencies provide food relief meals to vulnerable

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in mid-March, support agencies in Boroondara have provided more than 10,500 food relief meals to vulnerable residents. This is an average of 650 meals per week. This is a significant increase from before the COVID-19 pandemic, when the agencies provided on average 200 meals a week.

Providing meals in Boroondara is:

  • The Camberwell Salvation Army in Bowen Street
  • Boroondara Community Outreach
  • Camcare
  • Kew Neighbourhood Learning Centre

Council supports the Camberwell Salvation Army’s (Salvos) hot meals program. Through the 2020-23 Triennial Operational Grants round, they have received funding for their Sunday meal program. The program ensures disadvantaged members of the community have access to fresh and nutritious cooked meals.

Dedicated volunteers provide healthy meals to those in need. They also provide a welcoming environment and an opportunity to form connections within the community.

“We’ve seen many additional people coming for a free takeaway meal due to the additional hardship they have experienced as a result of COVID-19,” said Norman Gale, Salvos hot meals program lead.

“COVID-19 has given rise to many changes in the way we provide meals, the most obvious being a change from sit-down meals to a takeaway service. We also needed to take special care of our older volunteers,” he said.

“The Triennial Operational Grant from Council provides substantial assistance to enable this program to continue with confidence.”

If you need help, we have a dedicated hotline to help our residents who need it most during this challenging time. Our support team can arrange local emergency relief support or refer people to partner organisations and agencies who can help.

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