FOOD insecurity in Ararat is a problem, but the Second Bite program is helping to change that.
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Second Bite provides food, free of charge, to those who may otherwise struggle to feed their families, particularly over the extended holiday period.
Ararat Neighbourhood House has been running a local branch of the program for the past three years.
Manager Lou Makin said sadly, the need is always present, but January could be especially tough when many people’s work hours were reduced.
“The need never goes away and with work closures it can make it quite a bit worse,” she said.
“We’re working towards zero food insecurity because Ararat has quite a high number of people not able to access food for the table.”
Ms Makin wanted people to know that they can access food at the Neighbourhood House, located at 56 Campbell Street, free of charge.
“Today alone we would have had 300 kilograms of food come through the doors,” she said.
The program has had quite a positive impact on the region so far.
“I would say on average, during school terms when we distribute to a few schools and childcare facilities, we reach upwards of 400 people a week,” Ms Makin said.
On an average week in the middle of January, Ms Makin said the program sees about 200 people walk through the doors to pick up food.
Local supermarkets provide the food for the program, which is “rescued” from landfill.
“We’re really fortunate they embrace this program,” Ms Makin said.
“It’s great for Ararat.”
Other care providers have jumped on board too, with local child care centres, churches and community health providers distributing food to anyone in need who might have limited mobility or other access barriers.
“The more people we can reach, the less hungry tummies we have,” Ms Makin said.
The Neighourhood House doesn’t open officially until January 21 but Ms Makin is on deck with volunteers this week and throughout January in order to make sure that people can still access fresh fruit, vegetables and bread.
“Second Bite can be accessed two to three times each week by anybody. They don’t need a Centrelink card,” she said.
People can access the program Mondays to Thursdays from 11am to 3pm, and Fridays from 9am to 1pm.
More information about the program can be found here.
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