IN light of National Volunteer Week last month, food share programs owe their success to the volunteers who willingly donate their time and energy.
The Romsey Neighbourhood House Community Food Share program fosters wellbeing and connection and also provides low-cost products to help people to meet their nutritional needs.
Co-ordinator Michelle Balthazar encourages everyone to invest.
“We know there are people in the community doing it tough,” she said.
“As a community centre we want make sure we are sharing our resources, so there is no stigma.
“We always welcome volunteers. We have a fantastic team and it’s a great way to connect. If anyone can donate or contribute this will help us keep it going.”
The kiosk style supermarket is open between Tuesday and Friday from 10 am to 2pm on the Saint Mary’s Catholic Church grounds. It’s on the corner of Main Street and Barry Street Romsey or next to the laundromat at 85 Main Street, and open by appointment if necessary.
While many of the shelf items are sourced from Food Bank Programs, including UHT milk, personal hygiene products and breakfast cereals, many generous individuals are also donating pantry items, and some local producers are selling eggs, fruits and vegetables.
For people doing it tough there is a credit system, and this helps people access healthy food staples for free. A family can register for 100 monthly credits, a couple for 80, and singles for 60 credits to spend each month.
An added bonus is that volunteers are rewarded for their time with 20 credits for every hour they donate.
For more information about the Community Food Share or any of the Romsey Neighbourhood House programs, phone 5429 6724 or visit romseynh.org.au.