By Romy Stephens

The Philanthropic Collective’s Free Food Program has seen almost 100 care boxes distributed to locals in need across the hills within a week.

It comes after the charity recently called on the community to donate non-perishable items after facing challenges to continue care boxes with recent panic buying in supermarkets.

Over the past week, the program has seen 12 volunteers create 97 care boxes and conduct over 20 deliveries.

Founding member of The Philanthropic Collective Andrew Fillip-Gautier said the care boxes have supported about 428 people.

He said the 12 volunteers have been “moving vast quantities of produce at rapid turn arounds.”

“From families collecting food boxes from wheelbarrows in driveways, at front door steps to collection points at schools and home deliveries to seniors, the Collective are on the front foot moving vast volumes of produce,” he said.

Mr Fillip-Gautier also said the charity has been contacted by Casey MP Tony Smith who has secured 1000 masks after a request for assistance.