Louise, a Foodcare volunteer, had her week made a little easier a few years ago when she received a needed hamper at her door from Yass Vine Church. Then, when Foodcare was established in 2015, she was able to get affordable groceries every week.

She is just one example of the 458 people this initiative is helping today.

Anyone with a Centrelink or Health Care card can become a member of Foodcare for $2. It’s on every Thursday, 10am-12pm and 6-7pm at 66 Lead Street. Here, you can enjoy a cuppa and chat, buy affordable groceries and get free fruit, vegetables, bread and meat when you spend a minimum of $8.

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This is made possible by donations from Foodbank and OzHarvest and local businesses, supermarkets and individuals. Foodcare is always looking for volunteers to help on Wednesdays and Thursdays and for additional food donations.

Gary Brown, Yass Vine Church pastor, come navy commander, come Harley Davidson fanatic - proving that there’s no one type of person that can give back - is the man to contact on 0409 771 712 or vinecommunityfoodcare@gmail.com if you’re interested.

“We welcome everyone with open arms,” Mr Brown said.

Food isn’t the only important part of Foodcare either, with care being the other essential aspect. For some members, the Thursday gathering is the only time of the week that they get a chance to interact with others.

Mr Brown explained, “The most important part of what we do is not the food, it’s the social interaction.

“With social media, people have forgotten the importance of talking face to face, but organisations like ours are endeavouring to bring that back.

“People can come in and have a cup of tea or coffee and a chat. We have people from all walks of life, from the fringes of society to the working people who can’t put food on the table because electricity is too expensive. Now they can.”

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/yassvinechurch/