With our Annual Grants opening this week that focus on focus on two of the Foundation’s key areas of Food Security and Homelessness Assistance, we’ll be sharing the impact the 2024 grants have had in the community, providing much needed support for individuals and families.
A $20,000 grant from the Give Where You Live Foundation has been instrumental in enabling Whittington’s Neighbourhood House (previously known as Bellarine Living and Learning Centre) to advance its food security initiatives. A dedicated project coordinator was employed whose primary responsibility was to further develop existing food security programs. The coordinator’s work focused on aligning these programs with community aspirations, ensuring active engagement, and creating a coordinated approach to food security that advances the long-term goals of food sovereignty and sustainability.
Their weekly foodbank, currently supports around 60-70 people and continues to be a vital resource for those struggling to meet their basic needs. This service not only offers food relief, but also works to foster strong social connections among attendees, who range in age from 18 to 90 years old. In addition to helping people to meet their immediate basic needs, Whittington Neighbourhood House also focus on building resilience and empowerment within the community.
Chantelle Hodgson, Manager of Whittington Neighbourhood House said the Project Coordinator role had been instrumental in advancing food security and food literacy programs, while aligning with community aspirations and engagement. “The grant funds have not only supported the continuation of our essential food security program but have also enabled us to build a more coordinated, community-driven approach that will have lasting benefits for our community.”
A grateful participant said; “I am so grateful for foodbank and the service you provide, if it wasn’t for foodbank I would struggle to feed my husband and children, there’s so many mouths to feed. I also enjoy coming to the Centre because I get to see my community and catch up with people, I feel like this is a warm and welcoming place for me”.