Big demand at Foodbank

More people than ever are visiting Peel Foodbank’s Greenfields store for subsidised food, as the increased cost of living takes its toll on Peel residents.

Foodbank manager Caroline Cox said many people faced a struggle to put food on the table.

‘‘The demand for food in the Peel region has increased by 52 per cent since July last year and that equates to 280,000 meals,’’ she said.

‘‘People generally are really struggling, it is so clear that the welfare need has become greater.’’

Ms Cox said the number of people coming through their doors was increasing each month.

‘‘Last Thursday, within the first half hour (of opening) we had 47 people come through the door,’’ she said.

‘‘We are putting out about 14,000kg of food a month and that is emptying out our store.’’

Foodbank’s annual Winter Appeal has started and Ms Cox said the community could help by donating food at Woolworths stores until the end of July.

‘‘It is a general call to the public to buy an extra can of bake beans or soup and drop it in on there way out,’’ she said.

Ms Cox said managing Peel Foodbank gave her the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.

‘‘I have people stop me in the street and say ‘thank you’, if I’ve got my shirt on,’’ she said.

‘‘That is how much people appreciate us being here because the difference it can make to somebody’s food shopping is huge.’’

For more information go to www.foodbankwa.org.au or call 9581 9200.