To address this, a new initiative has been launched with a long-term goal of ensuring no-one in the Rose City is going hungry.
The Benalla Community Food Collective, an initiative of Waminda Community House, launched at a special event at the Visitor Information Centre.
Hosted by Waminda House’s Eleanor Currie, members of the community had an opportunity to hear from speakers operating successful community food initiatives, as well as hearing plans for BCFC.
Ms Currie said one of those plans was to establish a working group.
“Initially, we’re looking at putting together two types of survey,” she said.
“They are designed to gather information, from the community, on who’s accessing food relief.
“And also a different type of survey for the food relief providers in town, and that’s to scope out the scale of food relief in Benalla.”
Ms Currie said there had been food relief groups established in Benalla in the past, but BCFC aimed to be a bit bigger.
“Now we’re looking at establishing a large initiative, pulling people together to get a co-ordinated response.”
At the official opening, guests had an opportunity to hear from Open Food Network’s Serenity Hill, and James Rouel who operated Moira FoodShare.
Both come with experience of bringing community groups and the public together to create an effective solution to providing food relief to those who need help.
The BCFC is in its infancy, with plans to grow quickly.
In the meantime, Waminda Community House is still operating its weekly food relief service every Thursday from 11am to 1pm where the community can pick up fresh food and pantry items at no cost.
If you are interested in finding out more about BFFC, or joining the working group, call Waminda House on 5762 4528.
