Improving food security for vulnerable people in the Illawarra

03 October 2024

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​Vulnerable residents in the Illawarra region will continue to benefit from local health and wellbeing supports, thanks to a funding boost for the Warrawong Residents.

Minister for Health Ryan Park today announced $30,000 in funding for the Warrawong Residents, which is based out of the Warrawong Community Centre, to support the provision of local food services for disadvantaged community members.

Warrawong Residents provides several food services to support disadvantaged members of the community, including a community lunch, food hub, food parcels, take away meals and vouchers.

By encouraging vulnerable members of the community to visit the Centre, staff and volunteers can better engage with those in need and help connect them with other valuable community resources.

Warrawong Residents also provides information, resource, referral and advocacy for a variety of needs including safety and wellbeing, mental health and drug and alcohol support.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health and Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park:

"I am so pleased to support the important work of the Warrawong Residents, which is providing around 1,000 meals each month to people in need.

"This organisation is really important for the health and wellbeing of some members of our local community.

"Warrawong Residents provides disadvantaged members of our community with food security, addressing a very basic need, and it also connects community members to other important health and community resources.

Quotes attributable to Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:

"The Warrawong Residents Forum has been providing food support for vulnerable residents since 2003 and this funding will allow this service to continue as they fit-out their temporary home while the Warrawong community Centre is rebuilt.

"It's particularly important to provide vulnerable members of our community with healthy food options as we know food insecurity is much higher for people experiencing disadvantage or vulnerability.

"Increasing access to healthy, nutritious food is important to supporting positive health and wellbeing outcomes for our community."

Quotes attributable to Ash Castro, Manager, Warrawong Residents:

"We are deeply grateful to Minister Park for his generous support, which ensures that even in our temporary centre, we can continue to provide nutritious meals without compromising on quality. Access to healthy food is fundamental in creating positive health outcomes for both body and mind, especially for those facing hardship.

"With Minister Park's support, we can continue addressing food insecurity head-on. This year alone, we've fed and engaged 18,081 people, ensuring that our most vulnerable residents receive the nourishment and care they deserve.

"In a time when many in our community are experiencing uncertainty and loss, Minister Park's support helps us provide the stability and reliability our food initiatives offer. This funding ensures that even through change, our commitment to delivering consistent, nutritious meals remains unwavering." ​​

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Current as at: Thursday 3 October 2024