412,146.
As the new Foodbank Hunger Report tells us, that's how many children in Victoria are living in homes where food runs out before money comes in.
Homes where mum or dad will be skipping meals to try and make sure the kids have something on their plate. And there are also days when there's no food at all. For any of them.
That's not a statistic. That's a heartbreak.
It's unthinkable - the pain those parents are going through.
But there's hope... real hope, and a real plan that's ready to roll out this Christmas if we can source enough food, and quickly.
We'll be creating real moments of joy and relief through our free festive markets, our three-course Christmas lunches in our Morwell and Ballarat Community Food Centres, and our mobile supermarket buses rolling out across Melbourne stocked with beautiful food and Christmas treats.
With the help of an angel like you, the team here at Foodbank Vic can make sure parents don't have to make that awful choice between rent and Christmas dinner this year.
Thanks for everything you do.
Marianne's story ❤️
"My name is Marianne*. I got a little emotional when I saw the Foodbank supermarket bus pull up because we needed help. And that bus was like a knight in shining armour on his horse coming in...it was truly a wonderful sight.
I was getting food not just for myself, but for my mum who has dementia, and today you had plums which is my mum's favourite fruit. She can't afford to buy them, and neither can I. I was able to take those plums to her today, and she burst into tears. It made her day."
*Name and image have been changed to protect their privacy
How you help
$35
will help buy fresh, seasonal veggies and pantry essentials so a family of four can enjoy festive meals together.
$60
will help stock pantries and fridges with enough nutritious food to fill empty plates every night of the week.
$120
will help purchase fresh, healthy produce to keep our comunity supermarkets full of good food and happy, smiling faces.
When one dollar means two meals, one dollar means everything.
Donate today to provide nourishing food this Christmas ❤️
Need some help?
If you need help making a donation or with fundraising for Foodbank Victoria, get in touch on 1800 943 005 or SupporterCare@foodbankvictoria.org.au.
