OzHarvest Newcastle's food relief expands to Nelson Bay and Salamander Bay

Additional funding from the nib Foundation has allowed the OzHarvest charity to run its successful food rescue program in Nelson Bay and Salamander Bay.

OzHarvest Newcastle manager, Monique Maguire, said support from food donors and an increase in demand was a major reason for extending its service to the peninsula.

“We have witnessed an increase in demand for food relief everywhere, not just in Port Stephens,” Ms Maguire said.

“Local supermarkets such as our food rescue partners, Woolworths, have been really enthusiastic regarding food rescue and have donated generously.

“It is not only the homeless who need help, many working families with young children are finding that there is little money left to buy groceries after they have paid all their bills and other essential household expenses.”

While the service has been able to extend in to Port Stephens thanks to nib funding, Ms Maguire said OzHarvest would be continuing in the area for as long as the need was there and it had food donors.

“In 2013 our funding supported the expansion of OzHarvest Newcastle’s services to the Lower Hunter regions of Cessnock and Maitland,” nib Foundation executive officer Amy Tribe said.

“We are so excited to continue working with the charity as it takes this next big step, reaching out to those in need across the Port Stephens area.”

Since its establishment in 2010, OzHarvest Newcastle has rescued and delivered more than 1.3 million kilograms of surplus food – the equivalent of 3.4 million meals.

Including Nelson Bay and Salamander Bay, the food rescue program is operating in eight cities.

The charity has collected food from Raymond Terrace supermarkets, including Woolworths and Aldi, for a number of years. One of the groups it donates the rescued food to is Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services.

OzHarvest will now deliver food to FoodCare, the relief program run by The Rock Church at Salamander Bay, and to Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre. Salvation Army at Salamander Bay will also receive OzHarvest deliveries. 

“There could be more charities out there that we’re not aware of,” Ms Maguire said. “If OzHarvest can help, give us a call.”

OzHarvest is seeking potential food donors such as farmers with surplus stock, retailers, catering companies, registered clubs and supermarkets in Port Stephens.

For more information about OzHarvest or to get involved phone 4940 0767.