Thanks Food Bank: Cherbourg is standing safe & strong

These past weeks have been challenging for our community, but we’ve risen to the challenge, so far COVID19 has not made it into our Cherbourg community. In these uncertain times we’ve witnessed the true character of our fellow man, ready to act and work together for the greater good.

Securing everyday essentials has proven to be a challenge for many, but Food Bank Queensland responded quickly when contacted by our Mayor and Cherbourg Council CEO. The partnership between Council and Foodbank saw food drops to community bringing welcome relief for struggling families. Our newly elected Cherbourg Mayor Elvie Sandow said the hampers could not have come at a better time, a great help that has made her community happy.

Mayor Sandow observed hampers were made up of “things that would come in handy if the community had to go into lock down, tinned goods, rice, noodles, long life milk, chocolates” items that could be stored until needed.

Sarah Harrup is the Chief Executive Officer of Food Bank Queensland, she told us “Foodbank Queensland is proud to have been invited into the Cherbourg community with the Sunny Queen Eggspress Truck, providing 360 Foodbank Hampers full of essential goods to Cherbourg families during this difficult time.” 

Cherbourg Council CEO Chatur Zala said he was pleased with the swift response from Food bank whom he noted were “very busy at the moment”, but Food Bank responded quickly, even with limited supplies available when the request was made, Foodbank came through for Cherbourg.

COMMUNITY PRAISED FOR COVID-19 EFFORTS.

  “Thank you community for doing the right thing, we know it’s a difficult time, but with everyone doing the right thing, we will get through this” Mayor Sandow says community are handling the COVID-19 situation well, listening to messages and staying safe, .

Mayor Sandow reiterated her Councils job is to support community and “we are doing it any which way we can”.

CEO Zala echoed the Mayors sentiment “Community are doing well responding to COVID19 measures and we hope the virus does not come to our community, but we will need to continue our current efforts for another 6 weeks at least”

“We know the virus is dangerous, but we are trying to keep things as normal as possible, however movement restrictions will likely change as situations evolve”

Moving forward, Mayor Sandow says council will be reviewing needs of community on a weekly basis and will reach out again if necessary.

Food Bank Queensland – Thank You!

AT SOME POINT EACH YEAR, ONE IN FIVE QUEENSLANDERS ARE IN CRISIS, DEALING WITH THE ANGUISH AND DESPAIR OF NOT KNOWING WHERE THE NEXT MEAL WILL COME FROM FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES.

It is hard to believe this is happening in the ‘lucky country’. It’s a predicament largely hidden by stigma and shame, but the reality is we’re all likely to know someone who is affected. It’s not just people on the street, but people in our streets.

When it comes to Australian children, the picture is even more alarming. Today it’s more likely for a child to have experienced food insecurity than an adult. 22% of children have experienced food insecurity in the past 12 months.

Foodbank Queensland restores hope to people who are struggling by rescuing and sourcing food and groceries from farmers, manufacturers and retailers and distributing them to 252 front line charities across Queensland to support over 200,000 Queenslanders each month. We also help children at school by providing breakfasts to 67,561 kids per week through 259 schools.

Foodbank Queensland not only plays a role in fighting hunger in Australia, but also plays a vitally important role in tackling Australia’s $20 billion food waste problem.

In spite of our best efforts, only 37% of charities report that are currently meeting the full needs of people they assist because demand outstrips supply. This is why, with your help, we strive every day to do more.