THE NEW Whitsunday Foodbank was officially opened in Proserpine, on Wednesday, May 3, with Charlie Mason from Charlie Mason Refrigeration attending with a donation of $5,000.
Whitsunday Foodbank is a community owned and funded Foodbank, which allows anyone with a pension, DVA or health care card to collect food staples, lunch box necessities, personal hygiene products, pet care and much more, for an extremely discounted price.
Whitsunday Foodbank is managed by the Whitsunday Funerals and Crematorium team, Jeff and Judy Boyle, along with their daughter Talira Boyle.
Cannonvale business Tropical Designs also donated the signage for the foodbank, as they saw the value that a service like this has in the community.
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm and Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox were both in attendance at the open day.
Whitsunday Foodbank chairman Jeff Boyle is hoping that elderly pensioners in need will utilise the service.
“I just hope all the pensioners come in and get it, that’s what it’s there for,” Mr Boyle said.
“There are some people sitting at home at night with the lights off because they can’t afford the power; if they want to eat, come in here and get some food.
“There’s no profit, every single dime we get goes back into the business until it gets that big and we’ve got plenty of money that some of it can leave the premises and we can give it out to a domestic violence rental or something – it’s all for the community.”
Mr Boyle said that foodbanks were getting busier as the cost-of-living continued to increase.
“It’s really starting to hurt people,” he said.
“A lot of families now can’t afford to pay their mortgage.”
Amanda Camm MP said the foodbank would make all the difference for lots of individuals in the Whitsundays.
“The community has come together with a clear vision and generous donations to establish a not-for-profit food store, that is already a huge help to many people in our community,” Ms Camm said.
“Cost of living pressures are very real right now and this foodbank will make all the difference for lots of individuals and families in this region.”
Ms Camm said the store had an ongoing need for donations of cash or food.
“If you are in a position to help with a donation, please contact the store on 0439 730 790,” she said.
“This is a great community initiative that offers ‘A hand up, not a handout’, and it’s important we show our support.”
Whitsunday Foodbank is open from 9am to 2pm, Monday to Friday.
