Food relief hub at risk of closure as donations dry up
Teen Challenge Murray Bridge have until December 31 to raise vital funds or face being unable to renew their lease for another year.
Around 15 people a day are able to get emergency food relief from a small drop-in centre on Marchand Street.
However, in 31 days this vital service may no longer be able to continue for the community, with a lack of funds threatening their 2026 lease renewal.
Teen Challenge Murray Bridge not only provides emergency food relief but counselling, turning point courses and generally being available to listen to people who may be struggling.
Despite past council funding and the support of weekly donations from McCues Bakery, donations of finance and food have been consistently decreasing.
Teen Challenge volunteer Jenny, who has been with the organisation for nearly 30 years, said regular donors were no longer able to provide as they once previously were.
"We've got to find rent ... to keep us here for another year," she said.
"We get food and finance donated, but lots of those people are passing away and now we have no income."
The need for support and food relief was big in the community, and it was only getting worse, Jenny said.
"We really can't not be here."
The shelves are looking bare at Teen Challenge's relief station on 5 Marchand Street in Murray Bridge. Photos: Liana Webster
The relief organisation also give away clothes, bedding, toiletry packs and some crockery.
When Teen Challenge first started in Murray Bridge in 1997, they had around 25 volunteers and a connecting op shop that used to help fund the drop-in service.
Now the rest of the volunteers have retired but Jenny and Carol remain each day, providing what food and support for the community they can.
"Where we can see a need we try to meet it," Jenny said.
"Nobody will every walk away from us with nothing."
- Donate: Phone 8531 2851, email murraybridge@teenchallengesa.com or visit 5 Marchand Street, Murray Bridge from 11am-3pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday.
- Get help: Visit Murray Bridge Community Centre from 9am-4pm on weekdays; 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; or the Hub on Fridays from 9am-12pm.
Correction: The opening hours of a relief service have been corrected since this story's publication.
