Every week, House of Welcome (HoW) in Granville provides people in need with free groceries. But as the cost of living continues to sky-rocket and the demand for support services increases, the foodbank is now pleading with the community for help.
HoW – which provides wrap-around support for refugees and people seeking asylum through housing, employment and financial assistance – is encouraging locals to donate food items.
“More and more clients are coming to us in severe financial distress,” Miriam Pellicano, House of Welcome’s Executive Manager, said.
“Someone came to us recently and told us they had to decide between paying their rent or buying groceries. It’s getting very, very difficult for people.”
For those experiencing financial distress, HoW’s foodbank offers a lifeline, a place where they can access free groceries once a week.
“We are consistently seeing 50 individuals and families every week,” foodbank volunteer Stephen Keegan said.
“They’re coming for everything from basic food items to things like shampoo and laundry powder.
“And the current economic climate is certainly exacerbating their situation and the issues that they face.”
Currently, the foodbank is in dire need of food staples such as cooking oil, raw sugar, flour, lentils, cereals and basmati rice.
Non-food items on the list also include cleaning products, body wash, shampoo and conditioner and toilet paper.
“Our foodbank relies almost entirely on generous donations from schools, parishes, community organisations, businesses and individuals,” Pellicano added.
“But, plain and simple, we need more.”
Donations big and small can be dropped off at HoW on weekdays between 10am and 4pm at 197 The Trongate, Granville.
To run a food drive or for more information, call 9727 9290.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.