Anglicare launches 24-hour fundraising campaign to stock food relief shelves

Ballarat office community development worker Kim Boyd said she had seen an increase in demand for food relief during the past few weeks, particularly from people who were seeking help for the first time.

She said there was also an increase in demand for food relief leading into lockdown last week.

"If it continues our winter supplies will go down very quickly," Ms Boyd said.

Anglicare Victoria is calling for members of the community to donate to its Food Boost appeal on Tuesday.

Chief executive Paul McDonald said every donation received up to $10,000 would be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Give52 Foundation.

He said Anglicare Victoria was aiming to raise $30,000 in 24 hours to support programs like emergency relief and the breakfast program that run in Ballarat.

"It will go a long way when it comes to buying food and essentials," Mr McDonald said.

Anglicare Victoria data reveals the number of Victorians seeking help to afford food, bills and everyday essentials has more than doubled in the past year.

Ms Boyd said with the loss of JobKeeper, people whose work was not back to pre-COVID rates were suffering.

"If the government support doesn't kick in there will be a rush on services," she said.

"There will be a gap between saying the support will be there and the money actually arriving for people too."

Anglicare Victoria is encouraging people needing support in Ballarat to phone its office on 5333 0600 during the lockdown period.

It is operating its breakfast program as a takeaway service and can provide access to emergency relief for people in need.

To donate to Anglicare Victoria's 24-hour 'Food Boost' Giving Day on June 1 visit anglicarevic.org.au.

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