Foodbank

How We Help >> Foodbank

What we do

Food is a right. At the ASRC we are determined that none of our members goes hungry, suffers from malnutrition or is unable to feed their families. 

Foodbank is about survival, dignity and compassion. At the Foodbank we ensure that ‘shopping’ is an enjoyable, dignified and equitable process.

Asylum seekers can come to the Foodbank once a week. They can select the foods that they most need and most enjoy. We run an equitable system that takes into account family size and means. This ensures that the distribution of donated or purchased food is sufficient, fair and a positive experience.

How you can help

Foodbank is supported by the ASRC’s Food Action Network, over 100 individuals and groups who make regular donations.

Learn how you can donate food and other items and read about our Food Action Network.

If you would like more information, please contact us (see below).

Contact Us

If you have any questions, require further information or if you want to get involved with the Foodbank as a volunteer or donor please email Patrick Lawrence at food@asrc.org.au

The Foodbank in Figures

Average statistics for a month in Foodbank:

Number of asylum seekers coming to Foodbank each month:	350
Percentage of families with no work rights or welfare support:	75%
Total number of parcels distributed each month:	390
Number of group or individual donations:	90
Percentage of donations going to asylum seekers:	100%

Our Inspiration

If you want others to be happy, practise compassion. If you want to be happy, practise compassion.
- The Dalai Lama

When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a communist.
- Dom Helder Camara

Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of themselves and their family.
- From Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Food is our common ground, a universal experience.
- Mark Twain