On September 28 the JobKeeper payment rate for employees who work more than a weekly average of 20 hours changed from $1500 to $1200 per fortnight.
Employees working less than 20 hours a week will receive $750 per fortnight.
Moira FoodShare co-ordinator Alan Petrie said he expected to be hit with high demand following the JobKeeper changes.
“Supply is a lot better since coronavirus restrictions eased, but this could be the calm before the storm in terms of the JobKeeper impact,” Mr Petrie said.
“The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services has contacted FoodShare on the premise that they're anticipating that to be a natural impact of changes to JobKeeper.”
To meet an increase in demand during the coronavirus pandemic, Moira FoodShare developed more distribution avenues, including Nathalia and District Pre-School and Numurkah Community Learning Centre.
“We're getting known in those respective areas as people improve their comfort through what we can do for them,” Mr Petrie said.
Mr Petrie said community members were now accessing support through these outlets, not just the Cobram and Yarrawonga sites.
“We represent all of Moira Shire, so we do what we can, but it’s a tough balancing act — to be able to supply you’ve got to be able to source.”
He said supplies coming from Melbourne were helpful, but Moira FoodShare was always looking for more donations.
“Fresh fruit and vegetables is a difficult area for us in that supply isn’t what it could be or what it has been, but we understand the manufacturers have been hit very hard and don’t have distribution available to them,” Mr Petrie said.
Moira FoodShare is looking for more food or cash donations in the lead-up to Christmas.
“We do have a Christmas hamper program for the communities and the volunteers are full swing into that, their contribution is invaluable,” Mr Petrie said.
“It gives our clients some cheer to receive something other than food.”
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