TWO major Raymond Terrace charity food providers will cease operating this week, angering volunteers and leaving thousands of elderly and disadvantaged Port Stephens residents without access to essential services.
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The discount grocery store Food 4 Life and the Meals on Wheels service Homestyle Tucker will trade for the last time tomorrow.
Located on Sturgeon Street, the two stores are owned separately by the non-profit Baptist Community Services and Integrated Living.
Both companies say the decision was based on financial necessity, but the move has left volunteers and customers who rely on the services devastated.
"We've got 3000 to 3500 members at the Raymond Terrace branch and they don't just come from Raymond Terrace, it's places like Medowie, Karuah, Tea Gardens and the upper Hunter," Food 4 Life volunteer Glen Marlow said.
In a statement Food 4 Life owner BCS said the move was a result of a "strategic review" aimed at making the service more sustainable.
"BCS recognises that for those involved in these stores the decision will be very disappointing," the statement read.
"Food 4 Life outlets will continue to operate from Wallsend and Windale, with existing clients welcome to access support through these alternative locations."
But one Food 4 Life customer, Joyce Barrett from Raymond Terrace, said she would no longer be able to access the service.
"It's a 45-minute drive.
"I wouldn't be able to afford the petrol," she said.
Staff at Homestyle Tucker are equally disappointed.
"It's purely a business decision made by Integrated Living," business manager Sheryl Cain said.
Homestyle Tucker provides frozen meals to residents in Port Stephens, as well as Newcastle and the Central Coast.
Ms Cain said the service was provided to 1000 people - a "conservative estimate".
She said people could find out if they were eligible for Meals on Wheels by calling 1300 731 556.