Food bank feels the pressure

By Paul Dunlop
PAKENHAM’S emergency food bank spends $3000 a month on food for people in need — and it’s still not enough.
Spiralling household costs are prompting more families than ever before to turn to welfare services because they are struggling to make ends meet.
Cardinia Combined Churches Caring (the 4C’s) coordinator Jeni Mathieson said the charity organisation was getting 15 or 16 new clients every week.
Spiralling petrol prices, the hike in interest rates and the everincreasing cost of living were putting unprecedented pressure on householders, Mrs Mathieson said.
“A lot of people are doing it really hard.
“We’re almost struggling just to keep up with demand, to be honest,” she said.
“Prices just keep creeping up and up. It only takes one unexpected bill and it is enough to send people over the edge.”
Mrs Mathieson said the 4C’s had to raise up to $60,000 per year to do its work in the community.
The food bank welcomes donations of tinned soup, tinned spaghetti and long life milk.
“People who are committed with mortgages to the hilt only need something like a major car repair bill and they are in trouble,” Mrs Mathieson said.
“We’re here to fill the gap as best we can.”