The final jigsaw piece to the newly equipped food bank at the Cootamundra Red Cross has arrived, with the unveiling of the fridge at the end of last month.
The fridge was generously donated by the Cootamundra Ex-Services Club as part of their initiative to assist and kickstart the food bank.
Cootamundra Ex-Services Club President Mick Willis said the donation was a way of contribution to the good humanitarian work done by the volunteers of Cootamundra Red Cross.
“We were approached to help obtain a fridge during a meeting in March and we were more than pleased to be able to come on board,” President Willis said.
“If you look at it, at least 60 families in our community are being supported on a weekly basis and that’s a fair number that Cootamundra Red Cross are able to help.
“That’s a damn good effort.” Since the food bank’s grand opening on April 30, it is said to be going well with 87 clients registered and a number of clients returning.
On the opening day itself, there were more than 20 people registered to purchase these items.
Cootamundra Red Cross volunteer Helen Eccleston said clients are “very happy” with what is stocked at the food bank.
Since the grand opening, members of the community were invited to submit their request on what they would like to see be shelved at the food bank, both food and household items.
There is a wide variety of items homed at the food bank today, including nut bars, flour, vita grain, chips, potatoes, canned items, baby formula, female sanitary products, and various handbags to name a few.
Inside the new fitted-out fridge is locally-donated perishable items such as bread, cake, pastries and salad.
On Tuesday two weeks ago, the Lions Club Cootamundra visited the food bank and donated both Christmas cakes and single cakes.
“Nobody is denied. If you have a need just come in and enquire with us Red Cross volunteers about the food bank,” Helen said.
“A confidential conversation will then be held before heading into a room to complete some paperwork, which includes producing some form of Centrelink credential.
“Then they are registered with the food bank.”
At the food bank located at the back of the shop, a client can pay a single $10 and this allows them a selection of around 10-18 items such as grocery and household items.
Examples include 20 cent can foods, 50 cent shampoo and a coffee jar for $3 instead of the usual $10, to name a few.
Clients will also be entitled to take items from the fridge, not included in the $10 spent.
It is a unique system as described by Cootamundra Red Cross volunteer Bradon Lambert.
“I have been in a position previously where I was in need of food and an initiative like this in the area would’ve helped me a lot,” he said.
“It is a bit hard for people to swallow, to have to ask for help. Coming in here and getting many essential items for just $10 still gives them self-respect and dignity that they are paying for it, and I think that’s a big step for some people.”
Cootamundra Red Cross food bank is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 2pm.
Christopher Tan