Foodbank Peel appeal for donations

FOODBANK WA is calling for financial and food donations to help keep up with demand.

Basic everyday essentials such as baked beans, spaghetti, tinned tomatoes, canned vegetables and fruit, pasta sauce, flour, breakfast cereal and canned soups are urgently needed.

Peel regional manager Megan Reynolds said although Foodbank WA has been at the forefront of the problem for the past 25 years, the community was still unaware of just how many people were going hungry.

While Foodbank WA traditionally supports vulnerable groups such as the unemployed and homeless, research has shown 43 per cent of people they support are the working poor who simply do not have enough to make ends meet.

“Winter is a hard time for people in need and it is more imperative that people dig deep for our forthcoming Winter Appeal,’’ Ms Reynolds said.

“The demand for food remains high and last year we distributed more than 6.1 million meals thanks to the help of supporters, but donations alone no longer meet demand.

“Every $1 donated helps provide two meals.”

In Peel alone, Foodbank WA is expecting more than 142,000 meals to be distributed via the Foodbank Peel branch over winter.

Ms Reynolds said at least 18 per cent of West Australians were struggling to put food on the table and many would have no choice but to reach out for assistance.

To find out more about Foodbank WA’s work or to donate to the Winter Appeal, visit Foodbank winter appeal.