OzHarvest set to deliver from Lake Mac base
OzHarvest’s iconic yellow van has pulled in to PCYC Lake Macquarie in Windale to set up a new food relief hub that will provide 700 pre-cooked meals and over 600 hampers each week to 60 local charities across the Hunter in response to COVID-19.
This year marks 10 years in the Hunter for OzHarvest, who have established the Lake Mac hub to meet an increasing demand for food relief during this unprecedented time.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Cr Kay Fraser has welcomed the hub to the City that will see thousands of meals delivered to people right across Lake Mac and the Hunter.
“COVID-19 has impacted on people’s lives in an unprecedented way. The need for services, like OzHarvest provides has increased, so it is incredible that they have been able to establish a hub so quickly to deliver meals and hampers to those who are most in need across our communities,” Cr Fraser said.
“Council has also agreed to supply food and garden green bins and waive any associated waste service fees to help support OzHarvest, and local business Source Separation Systems kindly donated compostable bin liners. I think it’s a fantastic example of Council and local business working together to help with some of the associated costs so that OzHarvest can focus all their efforts on the amazing work they do each and every day.”
OzHarvest Newcastle Manager Nicki Lembcke said the new OzHarvest hub at PCYC Windale will run in addition to their regular food rescue program that already delivers around 35,000 meals a week to support local charities.
“Food relief is at an all-time high and we are doing whatever it takes to help meet the increased demand across the Hunter. Thanks to our wonderful yellow army of volunteers who give up their precious time to pack hampers and distribute cooked meals out of the new hub.”
“We are truly grateful for the support of both volunteers and Lake Macquarie City Council for helping get the hub up and running so quickly. It’s a true testament to community spirit in these challenging times.”
If you would like to donate or support OzHarvest, visit ozharvest.org
Council also recently endorsed a $100,000 Community Grant program which is available to not-for-profit organisations, facing a demonstrated increased demand and/or operational difficulties due to COVID-19. More information about the grant program and an online application form is available at lakemac.com.au/COVID-19.
The community grant funding program is part of a suite of initiatives that have been implemented to support our community during COVID-19.
