One of the greatest places to visit in Melbourne is Ceres
07:55I am originally from South Africa and left a few years ago to follow my career which has finally ended my journey, well for now at least, in Melbourne.
Growing up my parents and grandparents were always
trying to help those less fortunate than our family and to help those most in
need. They have always been an inspiration to me.
In Africa there is such a need to help the less fortunate. Coming to Australia was an eye opener, thanks to the "top cities to live in" index, the media does a great job of promoting, as it should, the positives. But after making a few friends, while the country and cities are amazing, it has its challenges just like every else.
In Africa there is such a need to help the less fortunate. Coming to Australia was an eye opener, thanks to the "top cities to live in" index, the media does a great job of promoting, as it should, the positives. But after making a few friends, while the country and cities are amazing, it has its challenges just like every else.
Something that has bothered me for some time now is one
of my three key interests’ food, exercise and business. Firstly I love food because, well do you
need a reason, what is there not to love about delicious flavours in your
mouth. Exercise, well whenever I get
asked why I love marathon running, I blame my first interest. I love to run so that I can enjoy the food I
love! And this leads me to my third interest
which is business to which I know own a health food and supplement retail
store.
You probably wondering by now why I am rambling on
about my history and my interests, but the point is this. Why in a world where there is such abundance
and excess being created and where obesity is one of the highest pandemics in the world, the
next biggest human failure is malnutrition and food shortage…this seems like the ultimate paradox. And what surprised me even more is that this
is a major issue even in Australia.
Being a small business owner is challenging enough but
when you have a belief in trying to help people this creates even more pressure
on expenses. One of the biggest
challenges I find is marketing is expensive and not always cost effective.
What if there was a win-win for the business and
customers. As we build our community of
followers we would love to help your restaurant or café to grow by introducing your business to our community …it couldn’t be simpler.
Come be part of the change. Watch the video and like our Facebook page so you will be up to date about our growing community.
Come be part of the change. Watch the video and like our Facebook page so you will be up to date about our growing community.
3 comments
Thanks for highlighting this important issue Lionel. The figures you quote are sobering - I agree that in this country of abundance the fact that anyone should go hungry is not something we should accept. Good on you and your team for working to change this.
ReplyDeleteI am most concerned about the effects of food insecurity on children. They have important nutritional needs to be able to grow and develop, and the research tells us when they go to school with nothing in their belly they can't learn as well as their peers. This puts them behind in so many aspects of their life which will continue to compound as they get older.
How does Foodshare distribute its aid and prioritise who it helps?
Hi Melissa,
DeleteThanks for your comments. You are very right on the food security issue for children, one assumes that if a child has a home they are being fed. But I have also found out that this is not the case. I have read some research that highlights the performance of children when the go to school hungry and how they underperform compared to their peers. Definitely a greater need to focus on our future leaders.
In terms of distribution, Foodshare has partnered with organisations like Foodbank and Ausharvest that have in-depth knowledge of the needs of the communities that need it the most. Our mission is to be able to continue to support the efforts of these organisations through providing a sustainable income.
Thanks for the reply Lionel. That makes sense to work with organisations who already do this work and have expertise and for Foodshare to fund their growth. Hopefully with Foodshare's help all children will be fed nutritious meals
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