A MELTON welfare agency has reported a significant rise in demand for its services as higher grocery, rent and fuel prices take their toll.
Combined Churches Caring Melton’s food manager Jenny Stuhli said the number of new clients had increased considerably since the start of the year.
“We’re looking at around 15 new clients a week seeking emergency food compared to one new client a week,” she said.
Melton mother Jill Stevenson said that without the Combined Churches’ emergency food service, providing food for her family would be very difficult.
On some Thursday afternoons, Ms Stevenson joins a growing number of people accepting food stocked in high rows of shelves at the group’s makeshift store in Smith Street, Melton.
Fresh food, pantry stables and treats are some of the supplies available.
She said the service had been invaluable when she had trouble “putting food on the table” for her children.
“It helps families and people when they don’t have food, until the next pay cheque or pension.
“I don’t come here that often, only when I am in a bit of strife.”
She appreciated the warmth of the staff who worked at the Melton centre in a small weatherboard house with shipping containers in the backyard full of food.
“They are good people, they make you feel welcome, even to have a coffee with them.
“Everything is going up, rent and petrol; $50 at the supermarket only gets you a few items.
“I am not ashamed to come here, you have to feed your children.”
Ms Stevenson said she knew of many families and single parents finding it hard to make ends meet.
“I don’t know how other single mums pay rent with everything else.”
She is grateful for reduced rental payments as the Department of Housing subsidises her payments and couldn’t imagine having to pay higher rent.
She encourages those experiencing financial hardship to visit the centre.
Ms Stuhli, who has worked with Combined Churches for 10 years after starting as a volunteer, explained the group’s food supplies were part donated and part purchased and that the frequency of clients’ visits depended on their need.
She said residents donating their own fresh produce and local schools donating cans of food during the year was a great help for the service.
Combined Churches also provides referral services for financial assistance and emergency relief.
