Foodshare visits Fareshare
21:45
It’s in the foyer that you notice that this organisation is different.
As I waited for my appointment at Fareshare, I could see the main area where
the food is prepared. The area was a hive of action, with people coming and
going with crates of ingredients in various stages of preparation. It was clear
by the workers faces that they were happy and enjoying their jobs even when it
was cutting onions or cracking their hundredth egg. I guess it’s the purpose
behind their activity that is helping them smile as their work.
Fareshare is a not for profit organisation that rescue food
from various sources around Melbourne, that would otherwise go to waste and
prepare wholesome and nutritious meals for Melbourne’s homeless and most disadvantaged.
As you walk through the establishment you first notice that
they are busy, very busy which can only reflect the size of the problem that
they are tackling. Over 644,000 people seek food relief every month in
Australia and unfortunately 44,000 are turned away simply because a lack of
resources, one in three being children. It’s hard to believe this happens in
Australia, the world’s 15th richest country out of a total listing
of 185.
The largest room in the facility is the pastry room hundreds
and hundreds of Quiches and sausage rolls are prepared daily for the most in
need. It is these meals that prove most popular, as they are able to be eaten
on the street and are the preferred meal of the homeless and most in need. Not every
has the ability to make it to a charity to enjoy a traditional sit down meal. It
begins to dawn on me as this was explained to me the reality of some people’s
lives and how a simple warm meal can be the highlight of their day and the one of
the few positive experiences at a difficult time in their lives.
Fareshare do not charge for their services and can only
function through grants and philanthropic support. It is Foodshare’s intention
to support Fareshare in their mission to “ensure nobody goes hungry” by providing
a reliable source of financial support that can ensure they have the necessary
resources to achieve our mutual objective of achieving food security in Australia.
To learn more visit www.fareshare.com.au or check out Fareshare’s video:
https://youtu.be/I7Jz2MjqskA
6 comments
What a heartwarming story. I love to hear about organisations that really make a difference. Its wonderful to hear that FoodShare will be supporting FareShare to keep doing what they do, and hopefully we can all band together to help you to close the gap of the 44,000 people turned away every month.
ReplyDeleteDo you have any idea how many FoodShare meals you need to sell to help FareShare close that gap? It would be an inspirational goal!
If you get a chance visit Fareshare or even volunteer if you're able, it's truly an amazing environment to be in.
DeleteFoodshare's model is based on a one for one basis, so for every one Foodshare meal sold, one meal is given to a person in need, so in theory we need to sell 44,000 Foodshare meals each month to close this gap, which we believe is possible.
Unfortunately the need for food relief is growing and this years demand grew 15% on the previous year despite Australia's relative affluence and booming economy. If the government or public do not work together, the number of people (including children!) turned away hungry will increase, which is difficult to imagine.
That sounds like an achievable goal Colin - to sell 44,000 Foodshare meals. It's good to hear of organisations like Foodshare that are assisting people in need in our community who sadly often go unnoticed.
DeleteWe agree, Food security is achievable if our community is aware and have a facility to contribute easily to the solution. Thank you for your support.
DeleteIt is such an interesting organization which is valuable to get to know. I have never thought before there will be an organization to produce food for people who are unaffordable.
ReplyDeleteThey are an amazing group of people at Fareshare and the environment and atmosphere needs to be experienced, "Love is in the air" at Fareshare.
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