In a heart-warming display of community support, the team at Feed One Feed All (FOFA) in Scoresby was recently joined by groups of volunteers from Deloitte, a global leader in audit, consulting, tax, and advisory services.
Over the past two weeks, four teams of Deloitte employees have generously offered their time and skills to help prepare meals for families facing food insecurity.
The president and founder of FOFA, Lillie Giang said partnerships like this are crucial to continue their work.
“We welcome any kind of corporate volunteering because it’s not just about the time they give, they also provide us with a financial donation that helps us purchase the crucial ingredients we need to make our meals,” she said.
FOFA has quickly become a vital lifeline for many families across the Maroondah, Knox, and Yarra Ranges areas, providing nutritious meals to those who are doing it tough.
About four weeks ago, the organisation began delivering approximately 300 children’s meals per week to 28 different community agencies.
“The meals are frozen and very nutritious, by lunchtime, they thaw, and kids enjoy a healthy, delicious meal,” Ms Giang said.
“One-in-five kids goes to school hungry, and no child should experience that, especially in a country like Australia.”
Barb Lawrence, who joined FOFA’s promotions and fundraising team three weeks ago, further emphasised the role of volunteers in supporting the kitchen operations.
“On average, we prepare about 1500 to 1600 adult meals each week, along with 300 kids’ meals,” Ms Lawrence said.
“It’s a lot of hard work, but the dedication of the volunteers is incredible, they even garnish meals with parsley, to ensure the food is not only nutritious but also presented with care.”
She said while the food is often donated, there are expenses involved, particularly when it comes to sourcing meat and kitchen supplies.
“It started on a small scale after the storms, and now, it’s grown to the point where we need all the help we can get,” she said.
“If businesses can help with food donations or volunteering, it makes a big difference.”
The partnership with Deloitte has allowed FOFA to scale its operations further.
A partner at Deloitte, Dwayne Sleep said the company is committed to giving back to the community.
“Deloitte has a significant pro bono and volunteering program,” Mr Sleep said.
“It’s a day to step out of our professional bubble and see how many people are doing great things for those in need, volunteering with FOFA has been a humbling experience.”
Deloitte’s involvement in community initiatives is part of the company’s national commitment to supporting local causes.
Mr Sleep said Deloitte’s employees are encouraged to dedicate one day a year to volunteering, known as “Impact Day.”
“It’s about being aware of the growing number of people who are in need, many families are under financial strain and don’t always have enough to eat, even if they have a roof over their heads.”
FOFA’s work is not just about addressing immediate needs but also about breaking down the stigmas surrounding food insecurity.
“FOFA is making a real impact in the community, it helps people in need, and then seeing them pay it forward when they’re in a better position,” he said.
Mr Sleep said Deloitte’s support goes beyond just volunteering, the company is looking for ways to help FOFA build connections with other organisations and possibly offer financial assistance in the future.
“It’s about using our resources to help these grassroots organisations expand their reach and make a real impact,” he said.
Ms Lawrence encouraged both businesses and individuals to support FOFA’s mission through volunteering.
“Whether it’s in the kitchen or at fundraising events, there are plenty of ways to give back,” she said.
Organisations interested in corporate volunteering can email Veronica at corporate.volunteering@fofa.org.au or complete the online form at www.fofa.org.au/corporate-volunteering/#corporate-volunteering
For individuals, FOFA currently has vacancies in the kitchen on Wednesdays, however, those who can also support on Thursdays and Fridays are encouraged to register their interest at www.fofa.org.au/volunteer-form
Ms Lawrence said she was very impressed with the speedy and friendly response from FOFA’s volunteer coordinator, Karen.
“FOFA really looks after its volunteers, everyone has been very welcoming,” she said.
“And even if you can’t volunteer, support us in other ways, like participating in our fundraising activities, really helps us keep doing this vital work.”
“We will be wrapping Christmas presents at Westfield Knox Shopping Centre on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 December for a gold coin donation per present, so while you shop, we take care of the wrapping, to eliminate the stress of wrestling with sticky tape and curling ribbons.”
For Ms Giang and her dedicated team, every volunteer who steps through their doors brings them one step closer to ensuring no one in their community goes to bed hungry.
