Albany Soroptimists donate equivalent of 180 meals to Foodbank

The shelves of Albany Foodbank were stacked a little bit higher on Friday, after a donation of 180 meals from Albany Soroptimist International as cost-of-living pressures continue to bite. Soroptimist member Deborah Symes said the two trolleys of food were collected through boxes left at the workplaces and homes of members. Ms Symes said the group used to make its annual donation at Christmas, but changed to donating during the winter months after discussions with Foodbank Albany manager Rod Pfeiffer. “Our Christmas ones had been going quite well but supermarkets were also gathering food at that time for donations as well,” she said. “We thought we’d do a Christmas in July winter collection instead.” Mr Pfeiffer said he was very thankful for the donation as there was growing demand for the service Foodbank provided. “Every month we think we are getting on top of it and then more demand comes in,” he said. “Every bit like this helps, an extra 180 meals for us means we can help more people over the course of the next week. “It makes a very tangible difference, I’m putting this stuff on the shelf straight away because come Monday morning it will be gone.” Mr Pfeiffer said cost-of-living pressures were leading to people utilising Foodbank who had never needed to before. “The price of fuel and groceries is just out of control, but what we can do is help people save on their food budget — that alleviates some pressure,” he said. “Rental pricing, food pricing and the cost of living are the three biggies for people going through a tough time. “If you are doing a shop just buy an extra tin or two of something, then every month or two come drop that in. “If you can afford to do that, and if everybody in Albany did that, I wouldn’t have a food shortage.” Donations can be made to Albany Foodbank on Cockburn Road, to the donation bin outside of Albany Plaza Coles or online via foodbank.org.au.