Community Partner Story

The Rock Family & Community Support

Founded in 2001, Foodlink, operated by The Rock Family and Community Support Inc., helps hundreds of families each month. Assisting families and individuals, the team at Foodlink works hard to ensure that no one in their community goes hungry. They help these families and individuals by providing essential food parcels and support to those in need, as they state,

“Our mission and aim are to provide care for families, youth, or anyone who is under financial pressure from daily living in the Redlands area and beyond.”

Supported by The Rock Christian Church, local donations, and as a Foodbank Member Charity, Foodlink operates with compassion, providing nourishment to all, regardless of circumstance.

“No prerequisites, no barriers. Our doors are open wide, embracing everyone seeking support, without conditions or strict requirements.”

With dedication and heart, they assemble a minimum of 50 parcels of essential goods each week, serving as a lifeline to those in need. Lucy, Foodlink Manager explained:

“One week’s busier than the other with the pension week. We do emergency relief parcels as well… we have helped a lot of people.” – Lucy

Open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9am to 2pm, hampers are ordered online and are collected at the Foodlink centre. Priced at $50, these large hampers include many essential groceries including protein, fruit and vegetables, bread, cereals, pasta and sauces. The variety and quantity of each hamper is impressive. Foodlink recognises that people’s dietary preferences and restrictions vary. To overcome this obstacle, they’ve implemented a compassionate system that allows people to select their preferred foods from a regularly updated list.

Foodlink’s outreach extends to young families, offering vital support, especially during this cost-of-living crisis. Rachel*, a grateful mother of five, shared that: “(The hamper) will last us about a week for a family of five. The fruit and veg, I don’t have to get anything else from anywhere else. The bread, I get enough for us, and I give some to my grandfather who can’t drive and my mum as well.”– Rachel*

Her heartfelt gratitude echoes the impact of Foodlink’s efforts and displays the profound impact the centre is having on the Redland community.

Rachel’s testimony also highlights the importance of addressing both immediate needs and nurturing a supportive community among those in need. Many who are faced with choosing between paying a bill or food can find relief and comfort in knowing centres like Foodlink exist, as Lucy explained, “There are a lot of young families that once they come in and once, they see that parcel, they just start to cry. Because they’ve got nothing, no food. Especially people with children. We see, people coming in and they’re just blown away.”

With Foodbank’s assistance, Foodlink can access a diverse range of essential items, enabling them to tailor their hampers to meet the specific needs of individuals and families in their community “We really appreciate Foodbank.” – Lucy

As the demand for their services grows, Foodbank Queensland calls upon the community to join the fight against hunger. Through regular giving and support, together, we can ensure no one in Queensland goes without a meal.

If you are in a position to help Foodbank Queensland provide more food across the state to support Queenslanders in need, please consider joining the fight against hunger as a regular giver.

Community Partner Story Global Care Bundaberg

In a city known for its famous ginger beer, rum, and sugarcane, a silent epidemic is happening. Hunger.

Fighting this unseen epidemic is The Citicoast Pantry, a not-for-profit initiative of the Citicoast Church and Global Care. Their goal is to love and support the local community of Bundaberg. They’re doing exactly this through their storefront that stocks a wonderful variety of low-cost groceries and household supplies.

This low-cost grocery space has no barriers to entry, everyone and anyone is welcome to shop at The Citicoast Pantry. Each week, great savings and weekly specials can be found on a variety of groceries and fresh produce. To stock this pantry, The Citicoast Pantry works with a number of food rescue organisations and local businesses. One such organisation that has been there from the start is Foodbank Queensland.

In 2011, following the devastating floods that impacted the Bundaberg region, many displaced residents were in desperate need of assistance. Citicoast Church came to the rescue, providing food and shelter for many.

“Citicoast was one of the major points of operation as far as getting food and necessities out to families that were displaced from the flood. At that stage, we were solely operating out of the church. We opened the church and cleared out the pews. We put food out on tables every week.“ – Pastor Adam

During this emergency, Foodbank Queensland was pivotal in supporting Citicoast with the products their community desperately needed. After seeing an ongoing need in the community, Citicoast Church decided that the Bundaberg community needed, “something substantial and permanent.” – Pastor Adam

And so, The Citicoast Pantry was officially created. After renovating their shed, The Citicoast Pantry is a place where individuals and families can shop with dignity while grabbing some incredibly low-cost groceries. Store Manager Charissa explained:

“Our approach ensures that people have access to food without relying on handouts. This helps to restore dignity while also filling a need. Offering food at a low price not only improves their well-being, but also helps them save money, meaning they can afford more expensive items when needed.” – Charissa

Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 10am to 2pm, The Citicoast Pantry serves over 100 people per day, but this figure is rising. They have steadily seen an increase as the cost-of-living pressures continue to impact people who have never felt the pinch of their wallet before, Charissa explained:

“Many families are facing challenges right now, especially those with school-aged children, who are struggling these days due to a lack of support.” – Charissa

The Citicoast Pantry also supports Foodbank Queensland’s School Breakfast Program. This sees The Citicoast Pantry collect school breakfast staples such as cereal, tinned fruit and UHT milk from Foodbank Queensland. Schools across Bundaberg collect these products from The Citicoast Pantry for their School Breakfast Program’s to ensure that students start their day with a nutritious meal, promoting better focus and performance in their studies.

On top of this, the Citicoast Pantry provides 40-50 emergency hampers per month, for individuals and families who are in desperate need. These hampers hold not only food and essentials but also hope. The hope that with a full stomach, and one less thing to worry about, individuals and families can get back on their feet.

That’s exactly what service users of The Citicoast Pantry are achieving, with many coming back to share with Charissa and the team how they have helped.

“We were able to provide ongoing food support to a gentleman throughout his struggling years, and he is now returning with friends. He’s secured a house and has said to us, ‘I’m going keep shopping with you and I’ll continue to support you for all that you have done for me.’”- Charissa

This service provides both food and connection for many throughout the Bundaberg region. As Pastor Adam expressed, “It gives us inroads into lives that we might not have had access to without the food. Offering someone a helping hand and putting something in their fridge for them, is a connect point.”– Pastor Adam

Many service users The Citicoast Pantry is now servicing are homeless or homeless insecure who are in jobs and are working but are still unable to meet the increased rent. On top of this, the rental crisis in regional Queensland means there are just not enough houses available to rent. To make ends meet, Citicoast Pantry is doing all that they can to help the Bundaberg community. By supporting Foodbank Queensland, you are also supporting organisations like The Citicoast Pantry, as Charissa explained:

“We get to see the tears of relief when people realise they can access affordable food at The Citicoast Pantry. Without the donations to Foodbank, many people would have nothing on their table most nights. We see it in their faces, it truly means the world to them.”– Charissa

As the demand for their services grows, Foodbank Queensland calls upon Queenslanders to join the fight against hunger. Through regular giving and support, together, we can ensure no one in Queensland goes without a meal.

If you are in a position to help Foodbank Queensland provide more food across the state to support Queenslanders in need, please consider joining the fight against hunger as a regular giver.

Community Partner Story Impact Food Outlet

The Impact Food Outlet, led by Darryl, Mari-shell and their dedicated team at Impact Community Services, stands out from the busy Pacific Highway. The Food Outlet was started in partnership with Foodbank Queensland six years ago. Campus Pastor Mari-shell shares the story of filling her small car’s backseat with a tuckerbox esky filled with food from the Foodbank Distribution Centre in Morningside. Mari-shell would then travel back to Impact Community Services multiple times a week to restock the pantry, supporting those facing hunger with nutritious food.

From these humble beginnings, the Impact Food Outlet has grown into a crucial resource providing food to over 18,500 people every year. Food Outlet Manager Darryl shares that the Outlet offers heavily discounted groceries for those in need, restoring dignity while offering companionship and a sense of belonging for thousands in the greater Logan region. Every day, Impact volunteers skillfully manage challenges to ensure that no one in their community goes hungry or without support.

“Foodbank has empowered us to do this. It’s all happened from a seed to form all of this, which is amazing!” Impact’s Lead Pastor Tony shares.

What began as a service operating just two days a week has grown to serve the community five days a week, with customers travelling from the local area and as far as Gatton.

“We’re more than feeding people, we’re getting involved and helping people through support services, counselling, finances and financial management, payment of bills, domestic violence, unplanned pregnancies and arranged marriages.” – Tony.

Darryl shares that everyone who enters the Impact Food Outlet has a story, and the team ensures they are heard and support is offered, emphasising the profound impact of offering food with no judgment, only warmth. The community supported through the Impact Food Outlet know it isn’t just about feeding people through affordable groceries. Impact Food Outlet is about nourishing souls, bridging divides, and fostering a community where everyone feels valued and supported.

“There is no judgement, there is no stigma, and everyone is welcome.” – Darryl.

Impact Community Services is proud of the positive outcomes they have achieved through their years of selfless service. In partnership with Foodbank Queensland, they are having a significant impact in addressing food insecurity in the local community.

They assist elderly community members to find purpose in volunteering, ease the burden of single parents who visit, and provide food and groceries to those facing cancer or have mounting medical bills.

Pastor Mari-shell recently assisted a mother through the domestic violence crisis care at Impact Community Services, who was living week to week with three children to feed.

Mari-shell shares, “She said it’s safe, nonjudgmental and she is just so appreciative of what we can do.”

Tony continued, “We don’t want people to feel a sense of shame; we want them to feel normal and just be able to come and make use of everything that we have here.”

Tony continues, “All of that came as a result of this little shop starting.”

Working in partnership with Foodbank Queensland has made a difference for the local community.

Your generosity makes an incredible difference far beyond what you could imagine for the people of Logan, and beyond. Just incredible.” – Tony.

If you are in a position to help Foodbank Queensland provide more food across the state to support Queenslanders in need, please consider joining the fight against hunger as a regular giver.

Community Partner Story Lovewell Foundation

The Lovewell Café in Mount Gravatt is a bustling social enterprise, providing opportunities for women experiencing hardship. A sign at the entry to the café reads, Every sip of coffee here contributes to a woman’s ability to stand tall, rebuild and thrive within their community.

It’s a sanctuary of second chances for women throughout Brisbane.

Second chances come with expectations, and meeting these expectations ensure women at Lovewell succeed while participating in the Foundation’s support programs. Women who seek refuge and renewal at the Lovewell Foundation are overcoming addiction, abuse, among other challenges.

As a Foodbank Queensland Member, Lovewell Foundation provides crucial support including food for emergency and crisis packs, ensuring these women have the resources needed to rebuild their lives.

Annie, the passionate Director of Lovewell, speaks of the support given to women through Foodbank Queensland, including the importance of non-food items that restores dignity when at their lowest.

“Items like shampoo and toothpaste are expensive. Women in the Lovewell Foundation are still in crisis or have nothing,” says Annie.

While some women are shunned by their family and friends, they maintain connections with their pets who have a profound role in their recovery.

“It is so important they have their pets, many of our women have lost their children for a period of time. For those who have gone through trauma, dogs are so important to them,” Annie says.

Foodbank Queensland provides pet supplies including pet food and kitty litter, products that play a crucial role in supporting Lovewell women and their beloved animals.

Annie shares that food provided by Foodbank Queensland has enabled the creation of a special program focused on teaching women how to cook with just four basic pantry ingredients. This initiative was designed not only to equip women with essential cooking skills, but also to increase their independence and confidence. Additionally, the meals prepared by the women under the guidance of the Lovewell Café team were distributed to other women in need. This approach provides practical skills and nourishment, as well as furthering the supportive cycle of giving and receiving within the Lovewell community.

The success stories are inspiring; one woman who was given her last chance has since turned her life around and now contributes back to the Lovewell community.

“It’s about building a new tribe, because everyone needs a tribe. You don’t need to wear that label anymore, because you’re here,” says Annie.

Annie shares her own experiences, having personally dealt with domestic violence and single motherhood. Despite facing significant challenges, Annie’s story is about surviving and maintaining hope while raising her child on her own. “I lived for a reason”, she shares.

Sunflower Place, an initiative of Lovewell Foundation, provides a path forward for women facing crises across Brisbane. Offering financial workshops and employment training, these programs provide vulnerable women with essential skills to pursue meaningful careers. At the Lovewell Café, women receive training and employment opportunities in a supportive community where they have the confidence to rebuild and thrive. In the Better Futures Program, women participate in practical workshops to plan their future, guided by mentors with similar lived experiences.

Annie emphasises that the success of program participants hinges on hard work, punctuality and collaboration. As the women of Lovewell forge paths of empowerment and recovery, Lovewell stands as a testament to transforming adversity into opportunity, with every sip of coffee and every compassionate gesture.

“This is my dream because this is now full circle. These programs are now supporting other women and it is incredible that they have rebuilt their lives and have got employment that they feel they can now give back,” says Annie.

As a Member of Foodbank Queensland, Lovewell Foundation is supported through food and pantry items that significantly impact women in crisis. When asked on the impact of food relief through the generosity of Foodbank Queensland donors, Annie shares, “It makes a difference. Even though these women may not know who you are, you are significant in their lives and journey, and we thank you.”

If you are in a position to help Foodbank Queensland provide more food across the state to support Queenslanders in need, please consider joining the fight against hunger as a regular giver.

Community Partner Story Access Street Vans

It’s special to experience a moment of clarity as to your life direction and purpose. That’s exactly what Pastor Russell experienced in 1993 when visiting Bath, England. While there, Pastor Russell came across a woman who needed help. Speaking with her, Pastor Russell had an epiphany and recognised his
calling in life, helping others.

For the past 25 years, Pastor Russell and his wife Betty have been doing precisely that with Access Street Vans. Located in Mansfield, Access Street Vans stands as a beacon of hope and compassion. As a Member Charity of Foodbank Queensland, Access Street Vans dedicates its efforts to providing food relief and encouragement to those in need.

Picture this: everyday Queenslanders just like you, your family, or your friends, facing tough times. They’re cold, hungry, and scared, seeking refuge wherever they can find it. But thanks to Access Street Vans, help is on the way.

Access Street Vans serve as a lifeline for individuals and families facing food insecurity across Brisbane. Their goal is simple yet impactful: to help turn people’s lives around for the better.

Each week, the Access Street Vans team drives vans out to different parts of Brisbane and shares meals and prayers with those in need. Every Wednesday, their successful ‘Adopt-a-Pensioner’ program is run to support 20 to 30 individuals with food parcels. This program’s goal is to bring hope and dignity to Queensland’s older generation. All of this is provided free of cost.

The need for organisations like Access Street Vans is undeniable. From providing meals to those experiencing homelessness to supporting pensioners, their impact reaches far and wide.

“We give the food out to anybody and everybody. Whatever religion they are, we have no limitations, everyone’s equal.” – Pastor Russell

Access Street Vans’ 20-year-old partnership with Foodbank Queensland strengthens their ability to make a difference. Through this collaboration, they gain access to essential groceries, enabling them to help even more people in need throughout Brisbane.

But Access Street Vans is more than just a provider of food. They represent the spirit of community and care. Volunteers and supporters play a crucial role in their mission, coming together to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

“It’s a privilege for me and my wife to do what we’re doing.” – Pastor Russell

Pastor Russell’s efforts and selfless actions were recognised in 2009 when he was awarded Brisbane Citizen of the Year. However, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. In 2019 they faced a setback when an Access Street Van was stolen from their Mansfield hub. Never to be returned, Pastor Russell, his wife, and volunteers rallied, determined to recover.

The sight of an Access Street Van navigating the streets of Brisbane serves as a reminder of how simple acts of kindness can transform people’s lives. So, the next time you see an Access Street Van in your neighbourhood, take a moment to reflect on the importance of their operations.

They are more than just vehicles delivering food; they are symbols of hope, unity, and the unwavering commitment to ensuring that no one in Brisbane goes hungry. As a member of Foodbank Queensland, Access Street Vans stands as a beacon of light in the fight against hunger.

If you are in a position to help Foodbank Queensland provide more food across the state to support Queenslanders in need, please consider joining the fight against hunger as a regular giver.

Community Partner Story

We Care 2 Hervey Bay

In the heart of Hervey Bay, We Care 2 offers crucial assistance to address community needs amidst rising living expenses.

With picturesque coastal beaches and a gateway to K’gari, it is no wonder many call Hervey Bay home. But like many small regional cities and towns throughout Queensland, the silent epidemic of hunger is growing in many Hervey Bay households.

As a result, the need for community support continues to grow. We Care 2, a community group that supports the residents of Hervey Bay and the surrounding local areas is the helping hand many need to survive from week to week. They aim to ‘offer a rounded service to the community, not just with food but, with caring staff and volunteers who have a heart to help those in need and listen to those who are struggling.’

To achieve this aim, We Care 2, an initiative of New Life Chrisitan Church, has built a centre for community care services that provides service users with comprehensive support. As Office Manager, Tamara explained, “We extend a helping hand to our community and we have five different areas. We’ve got our low-cost food centre, which Foodbank are awesome at helping with us providing food for.” The Low Cost Food Centre is open to low-income earners with concession cards, senior card holders, pensioners, and self-funded retirees.

In addition to their Extra Choice Low Cost Food Centre, We Care 2 runs a Community Connect Food Van, which provides free breakfasts on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

The third program is counselling where service users can attend free appointments with a qualified counsellor, specialising in grief, trauma, and crisis.

The fourth program offered by We Care 2 is Emergency Relief Appointments, which includes food, pharmacy, and fuel vouchers as well as emergency travel. Those accessing Emergency Relief appointments have changed in recent years, as Tamara explained, “We are finding even with our emergency relief that a lot of people are coming through and some of them have double incomes.”

Lastly, the Centre’s latest initiative is the Sunshine Van, which is a van that has hot showers, a clothes-washing facility, and a phone charging port. The need for this new offering came from the housing crisis and increased homelessness growing in Hervey Bay. With many people moving to the area without any support or family, they rely on We Care 2 for crucial support to thrive in the Hervey Bay region. As a result, We Care 2 has had to increase its emergency relief services, specifically having many tents on hand ready to provide shelter for those in need. As Tamara explained,

“The population has just exploded, and accommodation is really hard to get because people are now living in their investment properties and people are migrating from down south to up here. There are not as many rental properties available. People are also being evicted because the house is sold or the owner’s living in the house now, and they’ve got nowhere else to go, there’s not enough accommodation available, and then because of that explosion, the rent has increased.” – Tamara

With the increase in rent for many, We Care 2 has seen that those seeking relief range from individuals to families. Families typically have both parents in work, as Tamara explained,

“They might not be on a large income, but they’re both working. But that’s still not enough to cover the high rent and all the other costs of living. They’re struggling from week to week to be able to afford stuff.”

These families face a relentless cycle of financial stress, where even the smallest unexpected expense can tip the balance into crisis. The burden of high rent and living costs leaves them with little room to save or plan for the future. Thankfully, We Care 2 is there to lend a helping hand. Created from the heart to help people get through the pressures that they are in, to inspire and equip them for better outcomes in their lives, We Care 2 has helped many Queenslanders through crisis.

“The main success story we hear is just people who come in and say, ‘Thank you. Without you guys, I don’t know where I’d be. I don’t know how I’d be able to feed my family. I don’t know where my next steps would be.” – Tamara

Beyond providing immediate relief, We Care 2 aims to foster a sense of community and support. It’s a place where people can find not just material assistance, but also hope and guidance for a better future.

“The low-cost food is really helpful to pensioners, One lady, her rent was going up $50 a week. She can’t afford that, and her pension is not increasing so she has nowhere else for this money to come from. They rely on our food services and other things to be able to just get them through every week.”

This kind of assistance is crucial for those on fixed incomes, who often face impossible choices between essential needs like food and housing. This would not be possible without the partnership with Foodbank Queensland. Through Foodbank Queensland, We Care 2 can stock their extra choices of low-cost food centre, ensuring a steady supply of essential items. This collaboration allows them to offer affordable food options to those in need.

“Together we can make a difference,” a favourite catchphrase of We Care 2, is especially appropriate given the relationship between Foodbank Queensland and We Care 2 working together to feed Queenslanders in need.

Together, with the help of your donations, both Foodbank Queensland and We Care 2 can continue to support Queenslanders. If you are in a position to help Foodbank Queensland provide more food across the state to support Queenslanders in need, please consider joining the fight against hunger as a regular giver.

Mike’s Story

Mike* and his family know that without food you can only focus on survival.

Accidents can see your life change in a heartbeat, seeing your income disappear in an instant. Without a steady income, how could you afford food?

Having moved from New Zealand, Mike was amazed at the salary and work available in Australia. This high quickly fell to a low after being dropped from 40 hours to 25 hours of work per week. Life threw more curveballs after Mike had a serious accident. Mike was unable to work for four months, which saw him fall behind on his rental payments. As a result, Mike, his wife Jenny, and their three children, aged 7, 11, and 13, were evicted from their long-term rental property. Their lives were turned upside down in an instant.

“Looking back at the house, looking at what we were and what we are now. It was a big gap. It was disappointing that I had let my family and my partner down and myself down.” – Mike

With nowhere to go, and with three children lost and confused, living became solely focused on survival. Where would they sleep? What would they eat? They had lost hope. The children showed incredible resilience but not knowing where their next meal would come from was hard.

“When I don’t have enough food, it affects my schoolwork cause I’m always tired and I want to sleep.” – Mike’s Daughter

Mike faced impossible choices, like choosing between paying for school supplies or buying food for his family. But without food, Mike knew he and his family could not survive. Their struggle wasn’t just about hunger; it was about coping with uncertainty and trying to provide during tough times.

“We were finding it hard on a daily basis to put food on the table, to make sure the kids had enough food to survive…I lost a lot of weight with stress, I mean I couldn’t eat and I couldn’t sleep. You’ve got things such as excursions, books, and school fees, you’re weighing up like do I get this, or do I get food? And you’ve got to think about it, that without food, you’re not going to survive.” – Mike

Mike and his family found their hope at a Foodbank Member Charity, where they could access heavily discounted groceries and other essential items. This Foodbank Member Charity’s food hampers were made up of food collected from Foodbank Queensland. These food hampers became a vital lifeline for Mike and his family.

“We need the groceries at a minimum price, we needed that food to survive. So, I could focus on all the other bills that we needed to pay. Before we’d be living on baked beans and spaghetti and noodles. Then we had meat, we had veggies…and it would fill up the pantry for that week and the kids would be happy.” – Mike

Being able to save money at the checkout allowed Mike and his family to get back on their feet. They were once again empowered. The children were provided with healthy and nutritious meals, meaning once again they could focus on schoolwork. Mike explained, “Food makes the kids happy because they know they’ve got something in their stomachs. It’s having the ability to actually feed your children and seeing them eat and be stronger and nourish their little minds.” – Mike

Even Mike himself is now going to work every day with a full stomach, choosing not to skip breakfast, Mike said, “I’d leave home early, I wouldn’t have breakfast. But now I have breakfast before I go to work, and it makes it a lot easier.”

Mike and his family have moved from just surviving to truly thriving. Thanks to Foodbank Queensland’s Member Charity, they now have a home where they can make new happy memories over delicious meals. Today, Mike is pleased to say that, “Instead of, where are we going to get the next meal? Or what are we going to eat? Instead of baked beans, we have dessert and, you know, a decent-sized meal. The kids absolutely love it.”

Thanks to the incredible support of the Foodbank Member Charity, Mike and his family were able to get back on their feet. Mike cannot express his thanks to Foodbank and when asked what he would say to those thinking of donating, “Without your support, Foodbank won’t be able to do what they’re doing every day. And provide for charities that people need in their lives. The more support Foodbank gets, it’s going to make a massive difference in everybody’s lives.” – Mike

Thanks to Foodbank Queensland’s supporters, families like Mike’s have access to fresh and nutritious food. If you are in a position to help Foodbank Queensland provide more food across the state to support Queenslanders in need, please consider joining the fight against hunger as a regular giver.

* Names and images have been changed for privacy.