Foodbank Victoria is hosting a Christmas food market providing free fresh food to more than 300 families in Bundoora on tonight.
The market in Bundoora will offer free fresh produce, pantry staples and bread, with an appearance from Santa and a live band on 3 December.
Foodbank Victoria chief executive Dave McNamara said for some Victorians’ Christmas can be a time of stress and heartbreak.
“If there’s one thing we can do for them right now, it’s to make sure they have something nourishing to put on the table,” he said.
“We’re seeing families who’ve never needed help before turning to us because they simply can’t make ends meet at this time of the year.”
According to Foodbank Victoria, 500,000 families in Victoria will skip meals or go days without food these holidays.
Foodbank Victoria found that the demand for food relief increases by 15 percent every year.
Encompass Care is co-hosting the market.
Encompass Care operations officer Gianna Donato said they have seen a massive increase in demand this year.
“There’s a real anxiety in people because they can’t support their families, they’re not able to live like everyone else.”
“At this market… people get to choose what they want, it’s just lovely for them.”
The Christmas market will be held at Encompass Care, 31–61 McLeans Road, Bundoora, from 5.30-7.30pm.
Foodbank Victoria is hosting a second market on Thursday 11 December at Doveton.
