The federal member for the area stopped by Griffith Meals on Wheels on Monday to discuss the organisation's food redistribution program.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Member for Farrer, Sussan Ley visited the Yambil Hub to examine the Meals on Wheels' Hampers of Hope program - which takes food from supermarkets which are past their 'display date' and redistributes them to those in need - and discuss the organisation's status in regards to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
The Meals on Wheels program received a community volunteer grant of $5000 in 2017 as part of electorate funding and it was the first time Ms Ley had visited the organisation in Griffith since the grant was awarded.
Ms Ley said she was "very impressed" with how the program was running and highlighted the need for programs like Hampers of Hope.
"There is a significant proportion of people who we don't see and don't hear from who are not doing well and need this kind of additional help when it comes to meals," Ms Ley said.
"With the aspect of recycling when it comes to food, there is a whole social welfare support network.
"It's not just about reusing something to produce something else, it's about helping people with food insecurity."
READ MORE
Griffith Meals on Wheels program coordinator Tennille Valensisi said it was important to get those involved with making governmental decisions to recognise the difficulty in utilising short term planning to run programs like Meals on Wheels.
"Because we are funded by the federal government and it's in block periods of two years, it makes it very difficult for us to plan ahead," Mrs Valensisi said.
"When you've only got two years of funding you're sort of - do we do this, do we not, are we fully putting everything we've got into these next two years or are we planning for five years?
"It [the program] has been overlooked in the past and it's just continually growing, so any support that she can throw our way is much appreciated."
Those wanting to volunteer can find out more by visiting www.griffithmealsonwheels.net.au.
***
While you're with us, did you know that you can now receive updates straight to your inbox every Monday at 6am from The Area News? To make sure you're up to date with all the Griffith and MIA news you can sign up here.