Highlighting how the economic squeeze is hitting Hunter families, the Newcastle based BCS Food 4 Life is looking to new supply sources to keep its shelves stocked.
Client numbers at BCS Food 4 Life, which now operates five shops across the Hunter, is nearing 5000, as more and more people struggling to make ends meet look for help to put food on the table.
Operated by not-for-profit Christian care provider, Baptist Community Services – NSW & ACT, BCS Food 4 Life has seen a huge increase in demand over the past six months, with client numbers growing by almost 2000.
BCS Food 4 Life Manager Mr Mark Hallett said the growth highlighted how many people in the Hunter were finding it tough going and needing help to maintain the most basic of needs.
“We have people of all ages coming to us and many clients are also struggling with a range of other economic related issues, such as housing uncertainty, unemployment and rising debts,” Mr Hallett said.
Under the Food 4 Life concept, people on a government benefit or suffering from hardship, register with the service and are invited to make a donation for food they receive. Food is accessed from both not-for profit and commercial food and grocery sources.
But as Mr Hallett said he was keeping very busy seeking to find more food supplies to keep the shelves stocked.
“As demand continues to rise, so does the pressure to keep our shelves stocked,” he said.
“It’s a good problem to have to deal with as we want to be able to support as many people as we can.”
Birthed in October 2007, Food 4 Life opened in a humble shopfront on Hunter Street, supplying struggling families and individuals with cheap food items.
“We opened the doors and people began to come from across the city, not only wanting cheap food, but help with many other personal and social needs,” Mr Hallett said.
Over the past 20 months, Food 4 Life has grown from one shop to five, with other stores now operating in Wallsend, Windale, Beresfield and Raymond Terrace. There are plans for further expansion across the Hunter and other parts of NSW.
Another great spin off of Food 4 Life’s growth has been providing rewarding training opportunities for Work for the Dole participants, some who have gone on to pick up paid employment with the service.
“One of our first Work for the Dole participants is now managing one of our stores, so as well as feeding people, the service is giving others a new career start which is great to see,” Mr Hallett said.