Feed Me Bellarine co-founder Lana Purcell said she is “losing count” with the amount of meals being delivered to the needy across the Bellarine Peninsula.
The local charity turns leftover food into nutritious meals and delivers to people in need across the Bellarine Peninsula.
With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing people into self-isolation, Lana said the need for Feed Me Bellarine’s services have never been more in demand.
“We are losing count but at least 500 to 1000 meals a week,” she said.
The registered charity was founded by Lana along with Anthony Woodbury and has grown rapidly.
“We are open as a charity but not our cafe,” she said.
“We are 100% in food rescue and food relief.”
Feed Me Bellarine’s motto is ‘no questions, no agendas’ meaning there is no judgement on people who call out for help.
It relies heavily on volunteer help.
“We have noticed a drop in the older age group and those self-isolating but an increase in those new ones that are desperate to help the community,” Lana said.
“We deliver contactless with volunteer drivers who pack safely and then bags are dropped at doors.
“We are experiencing new requests for help daily. It will only get worse.”
Lana said volunteer drivers with their own vans were in need.
Despite the hardship, Lana said local businesses were still donating food.
“It has been amazing and also sad,” she said.
“It is sad to see our peers closing their doors and losing their jobs.
“But there has been a silver lining that their loss has been able to feed those that are struggling at this time.
“We were overwhelmed with donations and food rescue when doors started closing.
“We had two large coolrooms donated by B&C Air-Conditioning and Geelong Mobile Coolrooms & Freezers to hold the stock for our chefs to process it.”
Lana said monetary donations to help pay for electricity and gas to keep the kitchen open was one of the best ways locals can help (search Feed Me Bellarine on Facebook).
“Stay strong – you will be back,” she said.
“Not sure when but the community will be out in droves when they do.
“We are all in this together. We are there for you no matter what.”
