The Tewantin Noosa branch of the CWA hosted Michelle Lipner from Oz Harvest at their evening recently to learn about the vital role of Oz Harvest in distributing food to local people in need.
Oz Harvest is focused on food security and food waste in Australia.
More than 7.6 billion tonnes of food is wasted in Australia each year. Vegetables, bread, fruit, bagged salad, and leftovers are the top most wasted food.
The biggest challenges Oz Harvest has identified for people receiving donations are the cost of living, casualisation of the work force and job security.
Oz Harvest figures show that 64 per cent of people needing food are employed.
The Tewantin Noosa branch presented Michelle with a cheque for $300.
During 2021 the local CWA branch made several donations to enable Oz Harvest Sunshine Coast and Gympie Chapter to buy food during the Covid epidemic when donations were limited with supply chain problems.
There has been a 50 per cent increase in demand during Covid.
Currently Oz Harvest is supporting an extra 50 families in Gympie who have lost their homes in the recent floods as well as 40 local agencies and charities.
More funds will be raised by the Tewantin Noosa CWA at their next street stall on Saturday 16 May outside the hall in Poinciana Avenue, Tewantin (beside the Post Office).
Sales of home baking, preserves, plants and expert handicrafts start at 8am and finish at 10:30am.
If you need food or would like to volunteer to help collect and distribute food, please contact Oz Harvest by registering online at ozharvest.org or on Facebook by searching for Ozharvest Sunshine Coast and Gympie.
