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The moment we stopped traffic…

Kindness. Relief. Connection. It’s what brought Kororoit Creek Road to a standstill on Sunday.

Hundreds of cars loaded with families, neighbours and friends arrived at Foodbank Victoria’s Emergency Hamper Drive Thru. From our Altona warehouse, we filled their boots with pantry essentials and fresh fruit and veggies, as well as yoghurt, whole pumpkins, giant watermelons and chocolate.

Many of the 846 vehicles had kids in the back. In car seats and boosters. Some on their way home from weekend sports. Parents making sure their children would have dinner on the table that night. And lunchboxes for the week ahead.

People drove from as far away as Geelong, Rye, Broadford and Langwarrin, hopeful they’d be able to fill their pantries with nourishing food.

Some told us they were living out of their cars. Others had borrowed a car for the day. Many packed in together, multiple families in the one ride.

A dozen or so arrived on bicycles. The cost of running a car now out of reach for many.

We heard from a single dad who survives on water every few days so that his young son can eat. A grown-up daughter who moved down from Queensland to care for her sick mum. A man in his fifties who isn’t getting enough casual shifts at work to pay the bills and feed his family of four.

For many, it was their first time asking for help. 

And they told us just how hard it can be.

“I’m shaking,” one woman said, visibly overcome. “I’ve got four adults and two children in the house, and it’s really hard. I’m on a pension. This is a bit embarrassing… thank you so much.”

“Things are really tight,” said another mum of school-age kids. “I’m a full-time working parent that still struggles. I’ve just managed to top up my petrol, but something else has got to give at the same time.”

A dad of two boys revealed: “I’m a bit destitute at the moment, just out of work for the last six months. Today will help me get through to the next pay week. It’s good to know that there are people helping.”

The Emergency Drive Thru, our first since COVID, was held in response to record demand for support. Amid the cost of living, fuel, housing and bills, a boot-load of food can make all the difference: “Having something like this gives people a good break. When we heard about it, I just couldn’t believe it really. It relieves a lot of the pressures.”

But as amazing as Sunday was, it was only one day. We distributed more than 36,000kg of food to thousands of people. Yet, right now, we need enough good, nourishing food to feed 76,000 Victorians today. Tomorrow. Every single day.

Even small acts matter. Like the family who came through the Drive Thru, not to pick up food, but because their kids wanted to donate their pocket money. Gold coins to make sure other kids, other families, have something to eat. 

These moments of kindness do more than stop traffic. They have a huge impact.

I’d like to help

Families can’t wait for food – so we’re holding an Emergency Drive Thru

Families can’t afford to wait for food.

Foodbank Victoria will be holding an Emergency Food Hamper Drive Thru this Sunday 31 May to support Victorians feeling the strain of ongoing cost-of-living pressures. 

Anyone in need will be able to drive through between 10am and 2pm at 441–459 Kororoit Creek Road, Altona and receive a free hamper of fresh produce and pantry staples – no questions asked.

Every day, more Victorians are reaching out for help — many for the very first time. Our CEO Dave McNamara says the stories coming through each day paint a clear picture: households are under enormous pressure, and many are quietly falling behind despite doing everything they can.

“The pressure on households is unrelenting. If anything, it’s becoming more entrenched – and more people are quietly falling behind.     

We’re seeing people who have never asked for help before. People working, raising families, doing everything they can, but still not able to keep up. We’re receiving calls from people every day asking, ‘What do I do? How do I get food to feed my family?’

This Drive Thru is about making it easy. No forms, no questions – just turn up and we’ll help.”

Right now, we’re feeding 76,000 Victorians every day – the highest demand we’ve seen in our 96-year history.

We don’t want anyone to feel like they can’t ask for food. If you need help right now, we’re here and ready to welcome you. The Drive Thru is open to anyone in Victoria experiencing food insecurity, no questions asked.

Emergency Drive Thru Details

Foodbank Victoria
441–459 Kororoit Creek Road, Altona
Sunday 31 May
10:00am – 2:00pm

We can only provide this emergency relief thanks to the ongoing support we receive from the broader community, partners and our wonderful volunteers. If you’re in a position to help, please donate to our ‘Running on Empty’ Winter Appeal. Every $1 donated creates 2 meals.

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