The guest speaker for the meeting was Bridget Bentley, the Manager of Foodshare Bendigo. Bridget outlined the developments in Foodshare since the time Cathy Steele spoke to members some three year ago. The core purpose of Foodshare is the reduction of food poverty. Creating a food secure community goes beyond the gathering and distribution of food and includes growing and cooking as part of empowering people to become independent. Foodshare works in conjunction with St. Vincent de Paul and the Salvation Army and distributes food to forty schools, kindergartens and preschools. 

 

Bridget outlined the growth in Foodshare with the staff increasing from .8(FTE) to six. There are currently two hundred volunteers, including Rotarians, who contribute to the operation. There are some 12,800 people who regularly receive donations of food. Food is sourced from twenty one supermarkets as well as Melbourne and some local businesses. There is a steady supply of donations from home gardens. Two vans operate seven days a week to source and distribute food. Fortunately some government grants have been forthcoming to meet the additional demand during the pandemic.

 

Bridget has been part of the plans to relocate to the Pony Club site in Golden Square.This has involved extensive fundraising and grant submissions which have realised an amount of $2.8 million. The warehouse facility will provide much needed additional storage, improved administration and a meal space for staff and volunteers. A commercial kitchen, vegetable garden and cafe will eventually be added. The City of Greater Bendigo has offered a long-term lease at well below market rates. Partnerships have been negotiated with local businesses such as Hazeldenes.

 

Bridget's presentation created a lot of discussion about a Bendigo enterprise which members rate very highly in terms of an initiative where we can make a difference. Food is a wonderful source of connection for people and Bridget and her team have capitalised very productively on this. The scope of Foodshare has grown to include the engagement of VCAL students, nutrition education, planting, partnerships with restaurants and capacity building for long-term sustainability. We congratulate Bridget on her vision for what is a very important aspect of outreach in Bendigo and we thank her for being our guest. We will look upon the raffle with renewed enthusiasm when eventually we return to the Tennis Centre.