More than 180 boxes of food are being provided to locals in need through the Bacchus Marsh Uniting Church’s Reverse Advent Calendar program.
The program sends boxes out into the community, and in the 20 days leading up to Christmas people are invited to place one item in the box, until the boxes are donated to local food charities.
The Reverse Advent Calendar program began five years ago in Ballarat with Heather Luttrell asking her children to fill a box.
This year 6000 food relief boxes are being filled across Australia.
Church council chair Iris Blythe said the drive has also grown in Bacchus Marsh, beginning with high demand during COVID.
“This year, we would have hoped that the problem would have gone away, but inflation and rent increases have meant that many, for the first time, are wondering how they or their families will next have food to eat,” she said.
“For many of us, Christmas is a special time for sharing love and caring for others, so this program is a simple way to do just that.”
