visit raa.com.au
RAA and charity Foodbank are upping their target for food donations as more people struggle with rising grocery bills.
Latest figures show weekly demand for Foodbank meals has surged by almost a third in just the past six months.
In response, this week’s Food Drive aims to increase last year’s donations at collection points across Adelaide and regional SA by the same amount.
The number of people attending Foodbank Food Hubs has increased from 1500 to nearly 2000 in the past six months – 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 Pattison.
“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 RAA 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.
“This year we are aiming to provide 30,000 meals for South Aussies in need – a 33 per cent increase on last year to align with the increase in demand for Foodbank SA’s services,’’ she 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.’’
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 point inside.
As well as funding Foodbank SA’s regional Mobile Food Hub, since July RAA has also funded the metro Mobile Food Hub 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 struggling are children.
Foodbank welcomes donations of any non-perishable pantry items that are in-date, as well as personal hygiene and household items.
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 |