Maslow’s hierarchy of needs outlines five levels of needs an individual requires in order to survive. At the very basic level, on the physiological level, Maslow identified that individuals need water, sleep, shelter and food. These needs are not being met for many in our community.
Increasingly many individuals and families in our region are experiencing food insecurity. This means that they do not have access to a reliable source of nutritious food. There are times when they don’t know where their next meal is coming from.
Thanks to your donations a $30,000 grant allows Drysdale Family Support to operate a foodbank to provide this basic need for those on the Bellarine Peninsula who are struggling to feed themselves or their family.
Belinda* had been a victim of domestic abuse and had made the decision to leave the family home with her children. This decision was challenging financially. With the costs of rent, paying bond, connecting services and gathering the items she needed to set up her new home there was very little money left to purchase food.
Belinda was directed to the foodbank at Drysdale Family Support and accessed the program on a weekly basis.
Six months later, Belinda finds that she only needs to access the services of the Drysdale Family Support now and again. She has developed the confidence to know that she can provide for her family but knows where to find support if she needs it.
Food insecurity is a national problem in Australia and the latest Victorian Foodbank Hunger Report indicates four million Australians experienced food insecurity in the last 12 months.
With assistance from organisations like Drysdale Family Support, people and families such as Belinda are supported.
*Not her real name.