visit raa.com.au
RAA and charity Foodbank are appealing to South Australians to help feed the hungry as more people struggle to put food on their plate.
Latest figures show weekly demand for Foodbank meals has surged by almost a third in just the past six months.
The number of families attending Foodbank Food Hubs has increased from 1500 per week to nearly 2000 in this period – and all the hubs have hit a record number of visitors across the state in the past three months, according to Foodbank SA CEO Greg Pattinson.
“We are seeing approximately 40 per cent of people coming into the Food Hubs who have never sought assistance from us before,’’ he said.
“Unsurprisingly, the rising cost of living is the most common reason why so many are struggling to meet their household food needs, with the cost of food and groceries confirmed as the top cause followed closely by energy and housing costs.’’
This year the RAA Foodbank food Drive is aiming to raise 30,000 meals for South Aussies in need – a 33% increase on last year to align with the increase in demand for Foodbank SA’s services.
RAA General Manager Community and Corporate Affairs Emily Perry is encouraging people to buy a few extra items when shopping and donate them at either our Mobile Food Hub or an RAA Shop throughout this week.
“We are passionate about our partnership with Foodbank and events like this help keep the hardship many families are facing fresh in the community’s mind,’’ Ms Perry said.
“We’d love to see South Australians donate goods at their nearest RAA Shop or at the shopping centres visited by our Mobile Food Hub.
“No matter how big or small, donations are welcome, and they can also be made online via the website www.raa.com.au/foodbank.’’
As well as funding Foodbank SA’s regional Mobile Food Hub, RAA has also funded the metro Mobile Food Hub since July to ensure the sustainability of both vans as demand increases.
Foodbank is the largest food relief organisation in South Australia, providing food relief to over 135,000 South Australians every month.
One third of those in need are children.
Foodbank welcomes donations of any non-perishable pantry items that are in-date, as well as personal hygiene and household items.
RAA’s Mobile Food Hub will be stationed at Rundle Mall, Mt Barker, Tea Tree Plaza, Marion and Elizabeth for a day each this week, and all participating RAA Shops will have a donation bin inside.
Visit our website for more details. https://www.raa.com.au/about-raa/community-programs/community-sponsorships/our-foodbank-partnership)
RAA Mobile Food Hub locations:
| 24 October | 8:30am – 2:30pm | Rundle Mall (Gawler Place Canopy) |
| 25 October | 8:30am – 12:30pm | Mount Barker Woolworths |
| 26 October | 8:30am – 12:30pm | Tea Tree Plaza |
| 27 October | 8:30am – 2:30pm | Westfield Marion (Aldi carpark) |
| 28 October | 8:30am – 12:30pm | Elizabeth City Centre carpark |