Thank You for Sharing Warmth and Generosity at the ASRC’s Winter Food Drive in Dandenong

Last Saturday, the ASRC’s Community Food Program held its 2nd annual Winter Food Drive at the Refugee Resource Hub in Dandenong – and what a day it was! Despite the grey skies, a steady stream of community members turned up with donations of food and toiletries, filling 80 crates by day’s end. 

From early-bird supporters to families dropping by after weekend sport, the day was filled with a spirit of generosity and community. A gift of food is a very tangible way of making a real and immediate difference to the lives of refugees and people seeking asylum, many of whom are struggling to access life’s most basic essentials with no access to income support or Medicare, hit hardest by the ongoing cost of living crisis.

It was heartening to see crate after crate filled with much-needed items like honey, peanut butter, dried legumes, tinned vegetables, biscuits, tuna, oil and toiletries – gifts that bring warmth and sustenance during the coldest months.

Our generous donors had the chance to tour the Dandenong Foodbank, one of two ASRC Foodbanks, and to learn how donations are distributed through a free grocery store model that upholds dignity, choice and nourishment. Since opening its doors three years ago, the Dandenong Foodbank has supported over 2,100 people – nearly half of them are children.

A team of about 25 volunteers in bright high-vis vests kept the energy high, carting trolleys from car boots and sorting goods. Among them was Adisa, the Social Impact Manager at Chobani who have been generously supporting ASRC Foodbanks: ‘”At Chobani our purpose is to make a difference using food as a force for good, so giving back to the community is one way we do that – we donate a lot of yogurt to the ASRC so it’s nice for us to see where that goes.” And Kat and Phoebe from Chobani’s marketing team captured the day’s spirit perfectly: “We’re here to bring some sunshine!”

To everyone who contributed—thank you. Your donation is a direct and powerful act of solidarity, making sure no one in our community goes without life’s essentials this winter.

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If you couldn’t make it on the day, but still want to give the gift of food, you can:

• Send a Coles Online order to the ASRC
• Drop-off food to the Refugee Resource Hub, 205 Thomas Street, Dandenong on a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday between 10am -12.30pm and 1pm – 4pm
• Drop-off food at the Footscray Foodbank, 214-218 Nicholson St, Footscray (for car access go to the rear of the building opposite 46 Albert St, Footscray), Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday between 10.00- 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 4pm