Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland visited the Salvation Army in Seymour, helping pack hampers, ahead of Christmas to learn about the impact of food insecurity and the cost-of-living crisis during the festive season.
“The cost of groceries is astronomical and rising at a concerning rate, and the reality is that people are having to choose between feeding their families or powering their homes, and that is a decision nobody should have to make,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Add in rising interest rates, the cost of keeping cars on the road and kids in school, and it’s clear the Labor Government isn’t doing enough to provide real relief for everyday Victorians.
“Our wonderful community organisations and volunteers, like those at the Salvation Army, are working overtime to fill that void and provide food relief as more and more Victorians struggle to make ends meet.”
Ms Cleeland said organisations like the Salvation Army have seen significant rises in demand recently, with the cost-of-living crunch having a major impact on families trying to make ends meet over the holiday period.
“Our Salvos have witnessed requests for support nearly doubling in recent months, many from individuals who have never sought help before,” Ms Cleeland said.
“From food relief to household assistance and acts of kindness, they are our living community angels.
“They are incredibly stretched, so if you could spare a few dollars, it would go directly to supporting our region’s most vulnerable—and good karma would come your way in spades.
“To Salvo Captain Seymour Corp Captain Lauren Kirkham and Benalla Salvos’ Captain Ben Anderson and their teams, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything you do for our communities.”
