Moira FoodShare provides emergency assistance through the distribution of free fresh and non-perishable food items to residents within the Moira and Berrigan Shires.
Food is sourced from local bakeries, supermarkets, growers and suppliers while using a mixture of free and paid goods from Foodbank Victoria, FareShare and other regional FoodShares to enhance variety and nutritional value.
While locals are aware of the warehouse in Cobram, MHA Care FoodShare Co-ordinator James Rouel wants to remind residents of Yarrawonga that there is a shopfront, right here in our own section of the Moira Shire.
“We have a great shopfront space at 1 Hargreave Court in Yarrawonga where our ever reliable and generous volunteers are on hand to assist residents who are struggling with their groceries, no questions asked,” Mr Rouel said.
“As the cost of living has risen in the past 12 – 18 months, families are relying on Moira FoodShare, not because they want to, but because they need to.
“That is why we want to remind Yarrawonga residents who are doing it tough, that we are here in your community.
“We exist and are there when times are tough so don’t be afraid to come and seek support.”
Expansion to meet demand has enabled Moira FoodShare to partner with local community groups creating distribution points in Yarrawonga, Tungamah, Cobram, Nathalia, Numurkah, Barmah, Finley and Berrigan.
In the 2023-24 Financial Year, Moira FoodShare distributed the equivalent of over 200,000 kgs of food or 400,000 meals with a face value of more than $3m.
Throughout 2024, volunteers contributed over 8400 hours, which is equivalent to 25 full time staff, and in the past two years Moira FoodShare have grown from supporting 800 residents across the shire to 4500 each month.
“The recently opened Aldi in Yarrawonga and Coles in Cobram have been very generous to us, providing food that is still edible but not able to be sold in store which has been fantastic to pass on to those who in need,” Mr Rouel said.
“We are proud of the impact the Moira FoodShare program has had in strengthening our local community and we see the program as an integral support pillar in supporting the most vulnerable residents into the future.”
Local residents who are able to provide assistance have been able to do so, and are still encouraged to take part in the Mission 250 campaign.
A campaign that aims to find 250 Moira FoodShare patrons across the Moira and Berrigan Shires each willing to contribute just $10 a month, or $2.50 a week – less that a cup of coffee.
“Over the Christmas/ New Year period we gave the push for Mission250 a break but we are back into it again this year and are very grateful for the assistance we have received so far,” Mr Rouel said.
“We currently have 128 people signed up which is halfway to our goal.
“We hope to be able to reach our goal of 250 participants and raise $30,000 over 12 months to purchase additional food and support operational costs, therefore being able to support the growing number of families coming to Moira FoodShare for assistance.”
If you are suffering and needing assistance with groceries, emergency food hampers can be accessed through the Yarrawonga shopfront at 1 Hargrave Court or by phoning 0419 809 171.
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