New Foodbank Opens In Mackay
Mackay Whitsunday Life
Journalist: Sam Gillespie
Offering low-cost groceries to the region’s most vulnerable, Whitsunday Foodbank opened its second location last week and its first in Mackay.
Whitsunday Foodbank Mackay, located at 352 Bridge Road, West Mackay, offers grocery items priced at half the RRP for those who need it most.
“It is a great feeling for us that we’re helping people who normally couldn’t put food on their table for their families,” said Whitsunday Foodbank Mackay Manager Christine Hayes.
“It gives them a great feeling as well that they’re not receiving a handout, that they’re actually providing for themselves.”
Ms Hayes leads a team of volunteers who operate the store from Monday to Friday 10:00am to 3:00pm.
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm reunited to open Whitsunday Foodbank Mackay after opening the Proserpine store in May.
“Foodbanks provide such a vital service to our communities,” Mr Willcox said.
“With the current cost of living crisis, Foodbank offers discounted groceries, which is a saviour to those in need.”
“With inflation comes increasing cost of living pressures when it comes to everyday household items and groceries, so the Whitsunday Foodbank is able to fill that gap that’s going to meet the needs of families in need,” Ms Camm added.
Mr Willcox and Ms Camm urged those interested in volunteering to visit the store and talk to the team.
“The volunteers at Foodbank do such an incredible job, and it’s great to know the residents in the Mackay region can access this incredible service at the new location,” said Mr Willcox.
The store is also accepting donations of non-perishable food items.
To be eligible to utilise this service, locals will need at least one of the following: a Pensioner Concession Card, a Health Care Card, a Veterans Card, a DVA Health Care Card, a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, a Repatriation Health Card, or a Companion Card, to ensure our most vulnerable are best assisted.
“If you’re really doing it tough, I will try to help you,” concluded Ms Hayes.