Simon’s story 

No more hunger pains

Simon hasn’t always struggled or been out of work – despite looking. Simon is a chef by trade and is currently on Jobseekers allowance even though his serious health battle should see him resting and focusing on his strength. 

Living from pay to pay is a struggle, let alone the stress of being aware that you have no safety net should anything go wrong. A higher-than-expected bill, a blown car tire, or worse, a new medical diagnosis which brings with it worry, stress and more medical expenses.

That’s exactly what happened to Simon. His roommate, Steve – who he affectionately refers to as his best mate and soulmate – was acutely unwell and was taken to hospital for eight days. Simon contributed what little money he had to help Steve, but both were left with no money, no food and without any pay in sight for the next week.

When Steve got out of hospital, a week into both of their fortnightly pay cycles, Simon assumed the carer role and took it upon himself to do what he could to get them through the really tough spot they were in.

After cycling to his nearest Mobile Foodbank, more than seven kilometres away, he was met with the smiling faces of our volunteers who made sure that he and Steve’s food needs were taken care of.

Even with all the up and downs that have been thrown at Simon, he says he feels fortunate and blessed to be able to access the Mobile Foodbank. With a grateful smile on his face, Simon says that our volunteers took great care of him and ensured he didn’t leave empty handed, even when his paperwork wasn’t complete. “I find a great deal of comfort in the fact that I can turn to Foodbank… to help out when I really do need it.”

Struggling with an already very tight budget means that budgeting opportunities in the weekly grocery shop are limited.

Having access to the Mobile Foodbank has made a huge difference to Simon. For him it’s the difference between eating three meals a day to eating only one meal a day for four days straight. For Simon, that was his reality.

Speaking of what Foodbank WA means to him, Simon says the reality of having access to the Mobile service is “a matter of not having hunger pains” – a vastly brighter reality.

Food assistance is available to anyone struggling to access or afford food. Phone the Emergency Relief & Food Assistance Hotline on 1800 979 777, Monday to Friday 9.30am – 5.00pm.