Community
7 August, 2025
Food insecurity a growing concern
CORANGAMITE Shire families who have fallen on hard times will receive a much-needed boost thanks to a collaboration from Camperdown and District Community House and council.
Council has contributed $5000 to Corangamite Food Bank under the 2026 Budget, in a bid to support residents across the shire when cashflow problems mean they can’t buy food or other essentials like nappies, pet food and personal hygiene products.
Community House co-ordinator Emily Mercer, who administers the Corangamite Food Bank, said all involved were thankful for such a contribution which can help to support people from across the region who are experiencing food insecurity.
“Corangamite Foodbank is designed to protect the privacy and dignity of everyone who accesses the service,” she said.
“No personal information is collected or stored and there are ways to access the service without being publicly visible.
“Our distribution across Corangamite has increased consistently since 2019.
“In 2024 we packed and distributed 961 food hampers across Corangamite, the equivalent of 28 tonnes and $144,150 worth of food.
“This was an increase of 32 per cent from 2023 and 364 per cent from 2019.”
Ms Mercer said 80 per cent of produce came from independent not-for-profit organisation Foodbank Victoria and the rest from Western District Food Share and other donations.
“We have been supported by South West Community Foundation, Wannon Water, FRRR, Gardiner Foundation, Street Smart and more,” she said.
“In recent years we have received sizable donations from local community groups and service clubs including Terang Community Op Shop and Corangamite U3A – Mercy Regional College has also completed school wide food collection drives and donated a significant amount of food and essential non-food products.”
Ms Mercer said the program had become increasingly needed in recent years.
“Our Food Rescue Market program and community produce pop-up events are proving to be a fantastic initiative that connects community across all walks of life to reduce food waste in our local community and share resources,” she said.
“We hope to replicate these programs in six other focus areas across the shire in 2026.
“We try to keep things neutral – not too spicy – and staples so people can make a couple of meals from the same items.”
Donations of non-perishable pantry food items can be made to Camperdown and District Community House between 9am-4.30pm Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursdays and 9am-1pm on Fridays.
Most needed items include cereal, pasta, canned vegetables, beans or spaghetti, meal bases or sauces, muesli bars and lunch box snacks.
“If people donate goods that are coming towards the end of their life, they’re reducing landfill waste and doing us a favour,” Ms Mercer said.
“It’s a really beautiful community thing.”
Fresh locally grown produce is available at the swap and share community stall in the community garden hub in Camperdown’s Apex Park, next to the Gunner Street Community House.
“We can provide access to the fresh produce and frozen meals available from Western District Food Share for our distribution partners on an as-needs basis,” Ms Mercer said.
“If this is something that you would benefit from, discuss this with the distribution partner you are collecting your food hamper from, and they can arrange a special order through us.”
Corangamite Shire mayor councillor Kate Makin said council was proud to support such a valuable community-led initiative.
“Corangamite Food Bank is one of several projects council supported in the 2025-2026 Budget to enhance community wellbeing,” she said.
“Full credit to Emily for driving Corangamite Food Bank and all those businesses, schools, community groups and individuals who contribute.
“In a strong, connected community like ours, people are happy to support one another in challenging times.
“In the past, after more obvious emergencies like floods and bushfires, we have had people say ‘someone else needs it more than me’.
“Don’t be afraid to reach out if it’s you who needs support this time. You can do the same for someone else should your circumstances change.”
For more information about how you can access and/or support Corangamite Food Bank, go to camperdownch.com.au/services/foodbank.
Distribution partners include Cooinda Disability Services, Terang Op Shop, the Terang Mortlake St Vincent de Paul Conference and Corangamite Shire Council’s Service Navigation and Maternal and Child Health teams.
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