COMMUNITY FOOD SA

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (15:51): I rise today to speak about a very important and worthwhile charity, Community Food SA, an operation that provides low-cost groceries to high-need members of the community on low incomes. This simple concept has provided benefits not only to those who are assisted by savings to their grocery bill but also to the wider community.

The organisation was established in 1989 by a small group of residents in Blair Athol who recognised that there was a need for such a service in the community. The organisation has now grown from operating out of a room in Gepps Cross Primary School into a small supermarket at Kilburn. Over nearly 20 years, the centre has provided over $9 million in groceries, at an estimated $2.8 million in savings, to people from over 54 different countries.

Community Food SA not only benefits the people in the community who receive sometimes significant savings but also provides a sense of community spirit for approximately 90 volunteers, who generously contribute approximately 400 hours of work per week. The centre's volunteers have included students on work experience, the long-term unemployed, mentally and physically impaired persons and people with drug and alcohol abuse problems, as well as many others who continue to support the organisation by generously donating their time.

The centre was recently visited by representatives of Disability SA. They were astounded to find that one-third of the volunteers had either physical or mental disability, and they were encouraged by the positive personal growth those people have gained from being involved. By working at the centre, people have often experienced an increase in self-confidence, gained a better understanding of the community and been given a platform to progress to employment within relevant industries.

Furthermore, the centre has worked with a number of dieticians from Enfield Primary Health to develop an initiative to promote healthy eating. Pre-bundled meals, which include all the ingredients required to cook a quick, simple and nutritious meal, help educate patrons and their families about the importance of a balanced diet. This is especially important at a time when the nutrition of those in lower socioeconomic groups is rapidly declining and diet-related diseases such as diabetes, obesity and cardiac disease are increasing. Monthly cooking demonstrations are also held to promote healthy eating on a budget.

Community Food SA obtains the majority of its stock by monitoring the weekly supermarket specials and buying in bulk to achieve the lowest prices possible. A selected number of wholesalers and manufacturers support the organisation, and it is heartening to see that some local businesses encourage the centre by donating food products. The centre is always looking for additional support from wholesalers and manufacturers.

In 2005, the centre's rent increased by 700 per cent, and the centre faced closure as it was unable to sustain such a dramatic increase. A number of assistance packages meant that the centre was able to remain open. However, to overcome this and other similar problems, the centre is now attempting to raise $500,000 to purchase the property it currently occupies. Recent plans to purchase the property are now uncertain due to a number of complicating factors, and the situation is now critical. Community Food SA must now find another site or face closure.

It is all it too easy to give a donation to charity, but I believe it is important to recognise the contributions of those in our community who selflessly and tirelessly give their time and effort to causes such as these. So, I would like to give special mention to the centre's manager, Mr Neville Mibus. Neville has devoted countless hours to this cause over the past 20 years and has only recently begun to receive a very modest salary. I hope that by speaking about Community Food SA people will recognise how necessary this service is, and support it in whatever way they can.

Time expired.