The Food Hub Batemans' Bay has reopened for 2022, providing essential groceries and toiletries to those facing financial difficulty in the community.
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A separate entity from Cross Central Church in Surfside, The Food Hub operates out of the church hall, is run by volunteers and opens twice a week.
The initiative began in May 2021 following the devastation caused to the area by bushfires.
"We saw a need in the community and tried to find a way that we could fill it," said Community Outreach Officer Lillie Lack. "We wanted to directly support and help the community in a really practical way."
However the organisation flourished throughout lockdowns last year, and continues to grow as a support network for the community.
"We had some of our biggest months during lockdown last year," Ms Lack said.
"We provide emotional and financial support. People really wanted a sense of community during lockdown.
"People love having a safe space where they can come every week and be welcomed and loved by volunteers."
By the end of 2021, over 80 people had visited the Hub for groceries - many becoming regular attendees - while the Hub has reached another 20 residents with their delivery service.
When the Hub began, it was open only Wednesday mornings each week, but because of increased popularity it has started another timeslot Saturday mornings. Ms Lack says many residents come twice a week.
"We had members say they felt the difference in the two weeks (the Hub) was closed over Christmas," Ms Lack said.
"They say is helps take that extra couple of cents off each week."
The Hub provides residents with the opportunity to purchase essential groceries at a more affordable price, or to take donated goods at no cost.
The Food Hub partners with Food Bank Australia, Woolworths Batemans Bay, Coles Batemans Bay and The Batehaven Bakehouse.
Every new member, upon their first visit to the hub, is gifted a toiletries pack in a The Food Hub tote bag as a care package.
Ms Lack says there are three main ways community members can get involved with the Hub; either by volunteering twice a month on Wednesday or Saturday mornings, donating toiletries either at the Hub or at a collection point in the Commonwealth Bank Batemans Bay; or, for business owners with a shop front, agreeing to host a donation pay device where customers can quickly donate to the charity.
Ms Lack says there will be a volunteer training night at the end of January providing support for those looking to get involved.
The Food Hub is open every Wednesday and Saturday from 10am to 1pm at the Cross Central Church hall, 1 Kerang Street, Surfside.
For more information, or to get involved, visit The Food Hub website.