“House prices in the area have gone through the roof. It’s no longer as cheap to live in the [Moira and Berrigan] shires as it once was,” Mr Rouel said.
Unlike some not-for-profit organisations, Moira FoodShare does not operate on food vouchers.
“We really want to make it as accessible as possible,” Mr Rouel said.
“Anyone can come to any of our locations. They won’t be turned away — they’ll get support.”
“Our aim is to send them away with at least a few meals [with which] they can get through a tough time.
“Our goal is to help anyone who is in an emergency.”
Across the previous two years, Moira FoodShare has received an exponential increase in requests for assistance from the Moira and Berrigan shire communities.
Significantly, Mr Rouel said the number of people requiring assistance had increased from around 700 people in 2022 to more than 4000 this year.
Jenny Bennett, born in Gundagai, NSW, has volunteered at Moira FoodShare for the past one and a half years.
In her time, she has seen many desperate people turn to the service.
“We had an elderly couple in tears one day because they were just that happy that we helped them,” she said.
“I said, “It’s fine — that’s what we’re here for, don’t let it worry you.””
Mr Rouel said the FoodShare had witnessed a shifting demographic since COVID-19.
He said cost-of-living pressures were contributing to people from “right across the board” seeking assistance.
“We’ve seen families coming in,” he said.
“The money is no longer there — and they’re just trying to get by. We have a lot of people in that situation.”
Mrs Bennett also said that more young people were seeking assistance.
“Ones that have got two or three kids are finding it really hard because they’ve got to pay school fees, everything else, then feed them all the time,” she said.
Mr Rouel said it was difficult to ask for the community’s support when he knew everyone was doing it tough.
“We would really love them to jump on board and, if they can... become a patron and donate $10 a month — that would make a huge impact for us,” he said.
“We really do want to keep it a free service.”
Concerned readers are welcome to contact Mr Rouel at jrouel@mhacare.org.au or on 0419 809 171 to discuss donation options.
