Foodbank

Who may be able to access the service?

The ASRC knows that many people seeking asylum are in crisis because they do not have work rights or access to mainstream social services in Australia.
We prioritise those who face the biggest barriers to accessing their right to food, and provide equitable access to as many people as we can.

Who MAY be able to access this service

Who will NOT be able to access this service*

A person seeking asylum Not seeking asylum
No or very low personal household income Personal or household income above a threshold
18 years or older Less than 18 years old
Residing in Victoria Not residing in Victoria
No accecss to SRSS support Applicant or immediate family member in your household is accessing SRSS support
Able to participate in goal setting plan in collaboration with the ASRC Unable or unwilling to participate in goal setting plan in collaboration with the ASRC
Never accessed ASRC services Conditions exist around repeated access
Don’t have a caseworker with an external service Have a caseworker with an external service

* If this is you, you may be able to access other services listed here.

What does this service offer?

The ASRC Foodbank supports people seeking asylum to access food and essential items in Melbourne.
This page provides information for people seeking asylum on how to get help with food and essential items.

The amounts allocated depend on the number of people in the household and whether they are completing a weekly or fortnightly “shop”.

How to access the service?

Please call 03 9326 6066 or come to either of our Footscray or Dandenong centres and our assessment team can discuss your circumstances.
If you are prioritised to access this service, you are welcome to shop at either Footscray or Dandenong Foodbank.

Opening hours, excluding public holidays:

Please note, the service is paused during lunchtimes on the open days.

ASRC Footscray
Level 2, 214-218 Nicholson St. Footscray

Monday: 11.00am – to 12.30pm – 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Tuesday: 11.00am – to 12.30pm – 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 11.00am – to 12.30pm – 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Friday: 11.00am – to 12.30pm – 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

ASRC Refugee Resource Hub Dandenong 
205 Thomas St. Dandenong

Monday: 10.30am – to 12.30pm – 1.00pm to 3.00pm
Tuesday: 10.30am – to 12.30pm – 1.00pm to 3.00pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10.30am – to 12.30pm – 1.00pm to 3.00pm
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

What you need to provide:

  • Signed consent form including agreeing to ASRC’s Rights and Responsibilities agreement
  • Completed application form (completed alongside ASRC staff member/volunteer)
  • Bank statement for the last three months and other supporting documents, such as:
    • Utility Bills 
    • Medical Examination (BUPA) cost
    • Medical documents (if not able to work due to health challenges)
  • Visa document and, where needed consent to access your visa status  

What we use it for:

  • Consent to access services in line with ASRC relevant policies and procedures 
  • Foodbank application form
  • Financial assessment
  • Legal status

What other services could I try?

Services: Provides information about where you can find your local food and support services

Web: askizzy.org.au

Service: Provides information about where you can find your local foodbank
Web: https://www.foodbank.org.au/find-food/?state=vic