Helping Put Food On The Table For Central Coast Locals In Need

Mounties Group's Central Coast clubs have joined forces with OzHarvest, Australia's leading food rescue organisation, to contribute to its Central Coast Food Rescue program - a crucial initiative aimed at diverting food waste into providing meals for those in need.

In a country where 7.6 million tonnes of food is wasted annually, and 3.7 million households grapple with food insecurity, OzHarvest is making a significant impact. In the Central Coast region, OzHarvest rescues an average of 4.3 tonnes of high-quality, surplus food each week, diverting it from landfill to feed those in need.

The ClubGRANTS donation of $15,000 from Club Wyong, Breakers and Halekulani Bowling Club has been given to OzHarvest to ensure this program can continue to thrive and will directly support the rescue and delivery of 30,000 meals for locals.

"The OzHarvest Central Coast Food Rescue program sees food delivered, free of charge, to 57 local charities, helping put 8663 meals on the tables of vulnerable households every week," said Mounties Group President, John Dean.

OzHarvest's Central Coast program has witnessed remarkable growth in response to increased demand since it started in 2020. Evolving from one van in 2021, it now operates two vans, four days a week servicing community across 10 suburbs in Gosford from Woy Woy to Somersby, and 15 suburbs in Wyong, from Bateau Bay to Lake Macquarie.

"We started on the Coast in urgent response to the devastating food insecurity caused by COVID-19. Three years on, families and vulnerable households are still struggling - with housing affordability, unemployment, and rising costs of living," explained Richard Watson, NSW Manager for OzHarvest.

"Without OzHarvest's stable supply of nutritious food, an estimated 9,150 vulnerable community members would simply go without," he added.

Mounties Group is honoured to stand alongside OzHarvest in its commitment to reducing food waste and nourishing the Central Coast community.

"Our $15,000 grant is not just a financial contribution, it's an investment in the wellbeing of our community. By supporting OzHarvest, we believe in the power of collective action to alleviate hunger, strengthen community bonds with local charities, and build a sustainable future for generations to come," continued Mr Dean.

This grant will directly ensure OzHarvest's Central Coast Food Rescue program can continue turning its wheels and supporting vulnerable locals.

 

"We are very grateful for the grant from Mounties Group. With this support, we can continue rescuing and delivering meals, providing food to those who need it most. Together, we are making a significant impact, turning food waste into hope for a brighter future," concluded Mr Watson.

 

For more information on OzHarvest visit www.ozharvest.org.