Below some of the key actions that have been taken by Food Fairness Illawarra and partners to support our communities during the current Covid19 response:

COVID19 update – Low Cost & Free Meal Directory
Our region is blessed with many forms of emergency food relief during these difficult times – from breakfast programs, to community kitchens that provide daily meals for homeless or disadvantaged community members. The low cost and free meals directory is there to help those who are in need to find a local service providing low cost and no cost meals. This resource has been updated on 16th August >> Link  *** This is a new page on our website instead of a direct PDF link, to allow for future updates without change of link.  

Opportunity for collective action: Thanks to include the directory on your website (where possible) and distribute amongst your networks.

Foodbank emergency food hampers   

Thanks to Adam from Food Bank to go above and beyond to make 6 pallets of emergency food hampers available for the Illawarra. These hampers are part of the NSW Government funding in response to the impacts of lockdown on residents and/or those who are having to isolate from exposure to Covid19. They are locally distributed:

For Wollongong residents by Wollongong City Council in partnership with Green Connect using a nominate someone in need approach. Nominate someone in need

For Shellharbour residents by Shellharbour City Council. After two successful collection days last week, the next collection day will be on Wednesday 18 August from 10am-12pm  at the Civic Centre (Cygnet Ave). This video shows an example of what’s inside the box.

Team work makes dreamwork

OzHarvest continues to deliver rescued food from local supermarkets to supply to our local food relief providers and currently increasing this supply with basic supplements in response to the increased demand for food support. In addition, Foodbank supplied OzHavrest with an additional 800 frozen meals for distribution in the Illawarra. #StrongerTogether

Green Connect launches GET ONE, GIVE ONE meal packs

Green Connect have teamed up with the chef and her team at Merrigong Theatre Company to home deliver delicious meals to the local community during lockdown. For every meal purchased, an additional meal will be delivered to a family in need. Meals will be home delivered to Wollongong and Shellharbour residents (between Coledale and Shell Cove). Delivery date listed on menu item. Buy a meal pack

Spread the word

If there’s anyone who would benefit from this email update, please forward this email and send me their contact details for inclusion into the distribution list.

‘Crises are difficult and disruptive, but they can also spark major changes. Let our collective reaction be one that supports the transition to a better and more resilient food system’.

Did you know at any given time, approximately 21,600 Illawarra residents face food insecurity, meaning they are not able to access food that meets their health and cultural needs? Meanwhile, tonnes of edible food end up in landfill every week.

Food Fairness Illawarra is calling all (food) businesses of the Illawarra to start donating their surplus food to one of the local food rescue and relief organisations. 

Saving quality excess food will not only save the environment and reduce waste disposal costs, but greatly assist the people in our community that need it!

How you can help:

• Watch our video – TOGETHER – Feeding People, Fighting Food Waste
• Share with your networks – via socials or email to get as many individuals, businesses, food producers and retailers involved. 
• Start donating surplus food – head to the Guide to donating food to find out why, what and how.  

Bushfire Housing Assistance – Southern NSW and South Coast

The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) has now transitioned bushfire housing assistance in Illawarra Shoalhaven and Southern NSW to our local Housing team, and the dedicated Bushfire Housing Assistance Response Team (BHART) has finished up, having assisted over 350 households since January. Those clients needing continuing assistance or support have been handed over to DCJ District Housing staff or a Bushfire Recovery Support Service.

Policies and housing products and services for bushfire-impacted clients remain unchanged, as does their access to support through DCJ and other bushfire recovery services. Referral pathways for housing assistance via Service NSW, the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line, the Housing Contact Centre, Local Housing Offices and DCJBHART@facs.nsw.gov.au mailbox remain unchanged for clients and service providers in Southern NSW and the South Coast.

The key number for referrals for housing assistance is the Housing Contact Centre 1800 422 322 or via your local  DCJ Housing or Southern Cross Housing office.