Warrnambool and District Food Share celebrates raising record amount during appeal week

Warrnambool and District Food Share chief executive officer Dedy Friebe said funds raised would help cover its quarterly grocery costs and meet the increased need as a result of COVID-19.

Prior to last week's appeal, Mr Friebe said it would cost the charity $30,000 to buy food from June to September and items would be delivered to 23 regional towns.

Mr Friebe said throughout the annual appeal week, there was a steady stream of cars and families making cash and food donations, including 600 kilograms of groceries.

He said the total was raised through a mix of corporate and public donations, both in cash and online.

"We're extremely grateful," he said.

"With the pandemic lockdown on now we're very busy getting our food supplies out to the region.

"This appeal funding will go a long way in helping us maintain good quality food products we can put into our regional relief support.

"It's pretty amazing considering in the first year of the appeal we raised about $1500, eight years ago.

"It's given us enough food to tide us over when the (COVID-19 community food relief) government grant money runs out in September. It will get us through until Christmas."

Mr Friebe said the appeal week was the catalyst that provided a steady flow of ongoing donations for the charity.

"We're still accepting donations even though the appeal is over," he said. "We'd be very grateful for any ongoing support we can get, particularly in these pandemic times."

Donate at mycause.com.au/charity/5508/WarrnamboolandDistrictFoodShare