LOCAL charity Rapid Relief Team (RRT) has joined forces with Mallee Family Care (MFC) to donate five food boxes a month to the community.
MFC team leader for homelessness Mary Ruane-St Clair said the boxes would be filled with emergency, non-perishable food supplies.
“MFC are very grateful to RRT for their partnership, which will help clients who would otherwise go without,” Ms Ruane-St Clair said.
This year the RRT Food Box initiative has supported people in self-quarantine, vulnerable families and victims of domestic violence by donating and delivering more than 4800 packages across Australia.
Valued at $55 each, they are designed to take pressure off families in crisis and help them put food on the table.
The food boxes have been safely packed exclusively by RRT volunteers from the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, and delivered to Swan Hill residents with the support of MFC.
RRT regional team leader for Swan Hill Bill Dowell said care and compassion were at the core of RRT’s outreach and said the team were thrilled to be able to offer a small gesture of help to those who needed it.
“The COVID-19 crisis continues to be unpredictable – one moment restrictions are being eased and the next we’re back in lockdown,” Mr Dowell said.
“It is why the RRT is ready to move quickly when we’re needed and very happy to be able to provide a small amount of relief to local families.
“Our collaboration with Mallee Family Care ensures people in need of support receive it in a timely manner.”
Ms Ruane-St Clair said there are no comprehensive figures on those experiencing homelessness in the region.
“There are those who are visible on the street and those numbers are low,” she said.
“But you also have those who are couch surfing, staying with family and friends or living in crowded accommodation, so where do you start (measuring those numbers)?”
MFC are not typically a service for food assistance but this generous ongoing donation will allow them to assist families that present when the Salvation Army or other similar food providers are closed.
For more information on the Rapid Relief Team, and the Food Box initiative, visit https://www.rrtglobal.org/
