In June, thanks to the generosity of public donations received during the 2024 Feed Geelong Appeal, Whittington Neighbourhood House received a $16,000 grant from the Give Where You Live Foundation.
This funding is vital in enabling the team at Whittington Neighbourhood House continue providing critical food relief services to the Whittington community.
Offering much needed food relief for those most in need in the Geelong region, Chantelle Hodgson, Manager of the centre said their food bank program has been instrumental in engaging with and supporting the community.
“Our weekly Wednesday food bank, currently supports around 60-70 people and continues to be a vital resource for those struggling to meet their basic needs. We’re so grateful that these grant funds will support the continuation of our essential food security program but also enable us to build a more coordinated, community-driven approach that will have lasting benefits for our community.”
In addition to this grant, over the past twelve months, Whittington Neighbourhood House has also been allocated over $2,000 worth of food, and pharmacy vouchers, thanks to the Give Where You Live Foundation’s Community Choice voucher program.
The voucher program has supported so many people in our community, including *Xavier, who was referred to the Whittington Neigbourhood House food bank after being unable to work due to ill health. With medical bills becoming unmanageable, along with the increased cost of living, Xavier was forced to sell the family car to pay the bills.
At the point of desperation, Xavier and his family walked 2 hours to receive support. Community Choice food and pharmacy vouchers mean that Xavier can access food that supports his health and his family. “I am so grateful for the food bank and the service you provide. If it wasn’t for these vouchers I would struggle to feed my family.”
*Name changed to protect privacy
You can make a difference and help make sure nobody in our community goes hungry with a donation to the Feed Geelong Appeal. Give a gift today at https://feedgeelongappeal2025.raiselysite.com/donate