Working together to provide nutritious food for individuals and families in need.
Mission:
The Community Co-Op Sutherland Shire is a collaborative food relief program run by One Meal, Hopefield Services, Orana NSW, and The Salvation Army Miranda. It was created to respond to the increasing demand for food created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides food relief for more than 300 individuals and families each week, they work closely with community service groups to deliver nutritious meals to those in need. The aim of the Community Co-Op is to ensure that Sutherland Shire residents can access nutritious meals and enable local community groups to cope with the growth in food relief demand. The Community Co-Op has also created a wholesale food supply source for Sutherland Shire charities and NGOs through its partnerships with wholesalers and large businesses. It collects fresh fruits and vegetables, long-life pantry goods, and pre-prepared frozen or refrigerated meals which charities order and come to collect each week.
Why It Matters:
The demand for food relief services is rising as the economic impact of the pandemic is felt in communities around the world. The “hidden hunger crisis” where people regularly go without meals, is an issue that urgently needs to be addressed. Organizations such as the Community Co-Op play a vital role in ensuring those in need have access to hot food, in addition to supporting overall wellbeing and improving their future prospects. The important work they do creates opportunities for positive connection and engagement through community meal services which address social disadvantage, reduce isolation and strengthen our communities by providing inclusion, friendship, and hope.