Food bins need filling

The wheels are in motion to replenish vital food supplies for needy and underprivileged families through the Nationals WA Foodbank Run, which is about to pass through the region.

Now in its third year, the run will start in Mandurah on Tuesday and visit 22 towns including Busselton, Dunsborough, Margaret River and Augusta en route to Albany by next Friday.

South West MLC Colin Holt will again lead the charge by driving a van to collection points, hoping the 3.5 tonnes of food gathered last year could be surpassed.

Food donation bins have been placed in IGA’s Bussell Highway and Dunsborough supermarkets and the provisions would provide a boost to supplies at Foodbank depots.

Foodbank WA works as a bridge between business and the public to deliver much-needed food to more than 600 welfare and support agencies.

Mr Holt said supporting the volunteer-staffed organisation was about “community contributing to community”.

“Normally in winter Foodbank generally struggle for enough stock,” he said.

“We do take bulk orders as well. Any local growers with spare produce can contact my office and we’ll pick it up.”

Busselton IGA manager Bryan Caddick said the store was compelled to get behind the cause, after filling a bin twice over when Busselton was incorporated in the run two years ago.

“It helps people who are struggling in today’s economy,” he said.