Donation delivers new wheels to Hastings food rescue service

Featured

Friday, 16 October 2020

The delivery of nutritious produce to hundreds of local families just became a little easier with the delivery of food rescue service OzHarvest’s new vehicle.

The bright yellow refrigerated van, made possible with a $45,000 donation from Sovereign Hills, has been on the move since arriving in the Hastings, with volunteers ferrying vegetables, baked goods and non-perishables between local suppliers and charities.

OzHarvest Regional Chapter Coordinator, David Morris said the effects of COVID-19 continues to be felt by countless Australians and local charities have experienced a huge rise in demand for food relief.

“For the first time ever, OzHarvest has had to purchase food to top up our rescued food, in order to meet demand. In 2020 alone we have already delivered 175,000 meals to vulnerable people within the community, with more than 17,000 of those coming from purchased food. Thanks to Sovereign Hills, this new refrigerated yellow van will allow our local team to continue rescuing quality surplus food every day!” said Mr Morris.

OzHarvest Port Macquarie is entirely run by dedicated volunteers, who collect and distribute food to 16 charities throughout the region from a network of 11 food donors.

Michael Long, Head of Development at Lewis Land Group, said Sovereign Hills is honoured to contribute to such a worthy community cause.

“During an extra challenging year for our community’s most vulnerable, OzHarvest has not only delivered thousands of meals throughout the Port Macquarie region, but extended their food relief program to ensure more families receive a wholesome nutritious meal. We hope the new refrigerated OzHarvest van makes this process more seamless for the many volunteers who are passionate about rolling out this crucial service.”

Matthew McCarron serves up the OzHarvest new delivery van

CEO Matthew McCarron said services like OzHarvest are the “glue” in local communities.

“We are very proud to have a long standing relationship with OzHarvest around the country,” Mr McCarron said. “This is an additional piece of equipment which will help meet the growing demand of OzHarvest services. It is better equipped to service the local community.

“COVID has shown the important role grassroots community organisations play in times of crisis. Certainly that has been evident in the increase in demand for OzHarvest services.”

Since its inception in 2011, OzHarvest Port Macquarie has delivered nearly two million meals to vulnerable community members.

Lewis Land Group has also donated $45,000 across three years to OzHarvest Gold Coast, taking total donations for both chapters to $90,000.

To help OzHarvest continue supporting people in need, head to ozharvest.org to donate or volunteer. For every $1 donated, OzHarvest is able to deliver two meals to individuals and families doing it tough.