Bus operator Kinetic’s partnership with Foodbank Victoria is continuing to make an impact in addressing food insecurity across Victoria.
Heading into its fourth year of operations, the mobile supermarket bus program has been directly benefitting around 150 families with essential food relief each run, allowing the charity to visit people who often don’t have the capacity to travel or who aren’t receiving food relief in the traditional ways.
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“Reaching our four-year partnership milestone with Foodbank Victoria fills our entire team with immense pride,” Kinetic CEO Michael Sewards says.
“What began as a simple idea to leverage our transport expertise for community good has blossomed into an ongoing commitment that continues to grow each year.
“The feedback from our bus drivers and our staff volunteers has been overwhelmingly positive – they often say it’s among the most rewarding work they do.
“Our team members live and work in these same communities, so being able to directly support our neighbours facing food insecurity creates a powerful connection to the work.”
The program has now began involving local governments, with a weekly market in Whittlesea being hailed a success.
The council had initially been identified as a high need, food insecure local government, which the mobile supermarket bus was able to provide direct, targeted food relief to.
To date, Foodbank Victoria has delivered a whopping 25,751 kilograms of food and supported over 1800 families.
These weekly Wednesday markets in Whittlesea showcase how targeted food relief in a previously under-served area can transform communities.
“Our mobile supermarket was recently described as ‘a knight in shining armour’ by a visitor to the Whittlesea market. What a metaphor, and one that perfectly sums up the impact of this unique food program and its benefits beyond the provision of fresh, healthy food,’’ says Foodbank CEO Dave McNamara.
“We’ve seen firsthand the care that Kinetic drivers and staff show their community at every mobile supermarket bus visit to make sure the experience is as comforting and enjoyable as any well stocked food market supported and loved by its locals. That’s why we always receive such positive feedback.
“Thank you Kinetic, for giving us the sustained ability to bring nourishing food directly into Victorian communities when and where they need it now and into the future.”
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