A monthly food ministry in Footscray has reached four months of operation, providing hot meals directly to people experiencing hardship with support from young volunteers from HWPL.
The programme, run by local charity St John’s in partnership with ARK-VIC, began in May. Each month, between 30 and 40 volunteers take part across the roster, helping prepare meals and distribute them throughout Footscray.
Volunteers work from a church hall kitchen to prepare rice, meat and vegetables before packing the meals into portions for delivery. Some volunteers distribute the food on foot around local streets, while others use vehicles to reach areas where people in need are known to gather.
Organisers say the delivery model is intended to make food relief easier to access by taking meals directly to people rather than requiring them to travel to a fixed collection point.
The initiative comes as households across Melbourne continue to face pressure from higher living costs, including rent and grocery prices. Food relief organisations have reported growing demand as more people struggle to manage essential expenses.
For the young volunteers involved, the monthly sessions also provide an opportunity to gain practical experience. Some have had little or no previous experience preparing food at scale, working alongside more experienced volunteers in the kitchen before joining the distribution team.
Francine, one of the volunteers, said she had been impressed by the involvement of the HWPL team in community activities across Melbourne’s west.
“This HWPL Crew are really special aren’t they? I cannot believe how much they pour into the community,” she said, referring to the group’s recent involvement with programmes in Melton before joining the Footscray effort.
The church’s Reverend, who has followed the programme since its early sessions, said the initiative had gained momentum with relatively little promotion.
“I cannot believe how well this program is working considering it being so new and very little advertising is needed,” he said.
Residents have also expressed appreciation for the regularity of the deliveries, with organisers saying feedback from people receiving meals points to continued demand for support in Footscray.
The programme is expected to continue on a monthly basis, with organisers looking to involve more young people in future shifts. Local residents interested in volunteering can contact the organisations involved for further information.
HWPL, an international peace organisation, works on programmes focused on community participation, cooperation, peace education and interfaith dialogue. Its local activities include youth volunteering initiatives such as the Footscray food ministry.
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