Trailer brings breakfast to the needy in Albany

A new volunteer-run trailer providing breakfast for the needy is up and running in Albany.

The Breakfast in the Park program is led by Albany and Regional Volunteer Services coordinator Tracy Sleeman, who said she started it in response to the community’s food-insecurity.

“Homelessness is an issue in Albany,” she said.

“I’ve been down to the railway area and there are a lot of homeless people down there and there are many in the CBD too that sleep in the alleyways and doorways.

“But this service isn’t just for the homeless. It’s for families and kids and people that are doing it tough, because there are a lot of them at the moment.

“Foodbank do the equivalent of 30,000 meals a month to the Albany community.

“So our aim is just, no questions asked, if you want something to eat, just come and get it.”

According to Ms Sleeman, the Albany and Regional Volunteer Service has been working with Foodbank, Red Cross Albany, Pivotal Support Services and other organisations for the past 18 months to find a way to help with food relief.

“The Men’s Resource Centre donated a trailer and through the generosity of local charities and businesses we were able to refurbish and convert a trailer to a mobile barbecue,” she said.

A month-long trial will run in Spencer Park on Tuesdays and outside the Old Gaol in the CBD on Wednesdays between 7am and 8am.

Foodbank Albany manager Rod Pfeiffer said the program was a small but significant way to help the needy in Albany.

“The food trailer is a great initiative for Albany because it does give that extra thread in that lifeline rope for people that need assistance,” he said.

“And there’s a lot of need that people often just don’t see in this town. There is a big need here.”