Food security program, SmartMeals, is delivering it’s 50,000th meal to someone either at risk or experiencing homelessness. And during September will be delivering over 1,000 meals per day.
The initiative was created by homeless charity StreetSmart Australia in March when the pandemic hit and while initially intended as a month-long program, has now grown to 50 charity partners receiving meals through 40 hospitality partners.
“The detrimental effect of the pandemic is still being felt throughout local community groups and homeless shelters. SmartMeals has double the impact by providing meals to vulnerable Australians who would have otherwise gone hungry, while keeping staff employed at venues that have been devastated by COVID-19,” said Geoff Hills, Chief Operations and Fundraising, StreetSmart Australia.
SmartMeals are being delivered to a wide range of people in need, including those who were previously sleeping rough on the streets now housed in vacant hotels because food is not supplied.
Community partners have said the program is helping ease the burden during these uncertain times and being able to provide a meal and check in with clients is invaluable. With many walking through their doors for the first time because the pandemic has impacted their livelihood.
When receiving his meal at St Mary’s House of Welcome, Peter said, “If it wasn’t for these meals, I would go hungry. I have no money and nowhere to cook food.”
A team member handing out SmartMeals at Connect Community Care in Frankston, said, “My heart ached as this lady came to me for meals and had three kids with her. It impacted me so much that we could give something to eat”.
StreetSmart is encouraging the public to help SmartMeals continue to deliver meals to people in need.