What's Happening in Cannington, WA…

Foodbank WA has put out a plea to Welshpool and district community groups and local businesses to help build food stocks for the rising number of families in need.

Food drives and donations are needed from across Western Australia to meet a soaring demand that is seeing stocks rapidly dry up.

According to the charity’s End Hunger Report in 2013, the number of needy people turned away due to a shortage of food exceeded 16,000. The shortage was considered an indication of just how much people are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living, according to Foodbank WA’s Greg Hebble.

He told InMyCommunity.com that his charity alone was catering for about 55,000 people per month and there were literally thousands more missing out on help.

Among the initiatives being introduced to help meet the increasing need is the direct purchase of food by Foodbank WA and, while there is no budget to fund it, Mr Hebble said it was necessary to address the immediate needs of the community’s most vulnerable members.

The monthly amount of food distributed has risen by 25% compared to the same time last year. April 2014 reached a record high, which has led to the current shortfall.

The charity is encouraging community groups and businesses to become involved, and services like flyer printing and media coverage are no doubt helping to raise the issues profile throughout the community.