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IT WAS just a couple of small cardboard boxes packed with inexpensive healthy food, but for one struggling Orange resident who shopped at FoodCare at the Glenroi Community Centre on Tuesday, it meant a world of difference.
The young man, who preferred not to be named and is living on a Newstart allowance, said his life was beginning to turn around.
“I am a very private person, but what I have found here today are people who really care and are trying to help me,” he said.
“Being able to have healthy food on the table is one of the essentials of life, and in a world where we hear of so many bad things happening at the moment, it is nice to experience something like this.”
After being homeless for three months and now being allocated a unit in public housing, he feels his luck is changing.
“I am starting a job cherry picking tomorrow,” he said.
On Tuesday 66 residents were served at FoodCare Orange paying a maximum price of $2 for a dozen eggs.
“Most of our grocery items are just 50 cents,” FoodCare spokesperson Ann Hopwood said.
Recently Food Care moved to a two-day a week service for Centrelink, pension or healthcare cardholders who register to become members.
“We couldn’t have moved to a two-day service if we hadn’t made it self-service, as it was very exhausting for our volunteers,” Mrs Hopwood said.
Mrs Hopwood said the specially prepared FoodCare hampers at a reduced price prepared by FoodCare in Sydney were proving popular for people who wanted to experience some Christmas cheer, but were on a tight budget and wanted to purchase something extra.
She said with one volunteer specifically allocated to ordering from FoodCare in Sydney every week, plenty of supplies were kept on the shelves.
“Our numbers are continuing to grow,” she said.
Unlike some welfare organisations, the service will operate throughout January, which is traditionally a difficult time financially for many individuals and families.
The last FoodCare shopping day for this year is December 17.
After a two-week break, the service will resume on January 7.
The service operates from the Glenroi Community Centre in Garema Road on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9.30am to 12.30pm.
If you would like to find out more about shopping at FoodCare call 0467 229 673 or email info@foodcareorange.org.au.
Community transport can assist if you have no way of getting to Food Care - call 6362 6554.
FoodCare in Orange appreciates the support of Carbeen Pastured Produce, Racine and Coles but hopes the community can help out with a surplus of fruit or vegetables from their garden.
All other supplies come to Orange from FoodCare in Sydney.
The Social Harvest program is calling on Orange residents to donate any extra fruit or vegetables they may have grown in their garden or orchard.
If you think you can help your food donation will be greatly appreciated.
Please call 0457 229 673 if you can donate fruit or vegetables or call in to FoodCare at Glenroi Community Centre.