Food relief program will get a new home
A $30,0000 grant will help Murray Bridge Community Centre refurbish a shed for a much-needed service.
A food relief program provided by Murray Bridge Community Centre is about to get a $30,000 upgrade.
A grant from the state government will be put towards renovating a shed at the Beatty Terrace centre to create a separate space for the program, according to centre managers Sarah Smith and Jade Porter.
"It means we will be able to upgrade the food shed so it will have lined walls with shelves included," Ms Porter said.
"Hopefully we'll (be able to) install a roller door alongside climate controls and make the shed pest and vermin proof."
The centre recorded 7278 instances of people seeking food support in 2025-26.
Other organisations have also reported hundreds of local families seeking food support, and one in three skipping regularly meals due to the cost of living.
"The demand for our food support service has increased exponentially," Ms Porter said.
"It's placing pressure on our volunteers and our community, because we've only got a small centre at Beatty Terrace, so the foyer gets jam-packed," Ms Porter said.
Having the shed as the dedicated location for the community centre's food rescue service is expected to reduce the pressure on volunteers.
"The shed will allow us to connect with the community at a greater level and provides the community with a more dedicated service," Ms Smith said.
The $30,000 is part of a $760,000 South Australian government grant program that will be shared by 49 community organisations.
Human Services Minister Katrine Hildyard said the grants would support local communities across South Australia to turn ideas into projects that could help people connect, participate and thrive in their communities.
"These grants back their ideas and help local organisations turn them into practical support that makes a real difference in people’s lives," she said.
"Every one of these projects starts with people and what they need, what matters to them and what will help their community grow stronger.
"We are proud to support the organisations that back people and communities in impactful ways every day."
The food shed is expected to be renovated by early 2027.
- Get help: Visit Foodbank from 9.30am-3pm on weekdays; AC Care every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; the Salvation Army Hall every Monday from 11am-1pm; the Van of Hope from 5pm on Tuesdays; the ADRA community pantry from 12.30-3pm on Wednesdays; the Hub on Fridays from 9am-12pm; or Murray Bridge Community Centre from 9.30-10.30am on Fridays.
