It’s great news that the first delivery of food from Geelong Foodshare to The Linton Emergency Relief Pantry kicked off on Tuesday (1 July).
This is going to be a regular delivery that will be a big help to our community members who rely on The Pantry for food (and for the awesome group of volunteers who run it).
One part of the whole Food Security ecosystem is addressing Food Waste. Geelong Foodshare play a massive role in this area by getting quality food off the shelves where major players have an over-supply – and the food would normally get thrown out. Geelong Foodshare also value-add by creating meals (frozen meals) and looking after a lot of the logistics.
Food security refers to the state in which all individuals have reliable access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and preferences for an active and healthy life. It involves not only the availability of food in a given area but also the ability of people to obtain it, whether through purchase, assistance, or self-production. Food security is influenced by a complex array of factors, including economic stability, social support networks, infrastructure, and the efficient distribution of food resources within a community.
Addressing food security means looking beyond hunger alone; it requires attention to issues like food waste, equitable distribution, and sustainable food systems that can adapt in times of crisis. Initiatives such as community pantries, food rescue programs, and collaborations with organisations like Geelong Foodshare play a pivotal role in strengthening food security at the local level. By reducing food waste and ensuring surplus food reaches those in need, these efforts contribute not only to individual well-being but also to the broader resilience and health of the entire community.
We have our own Food Pantry here at The Haddon CLC, and if we ever have an over-supply of items, we take them down to The Pantry in Linton.
There are food relief points around Victoria, and the mantra is always, take what you need, but give what you can.