Nourishing Neighbours (NN) was founded in 2020 to provide a wide variety of culturally safe and appropriate food to those experiencing food insecurity in Merri-bek and surrounds.
NN is 100% volunteer run and partners with major Victorian food relief and rescue agencies to provide its services. Clients have access to our online booking system where they are able to choose their own non-perishables, fresh fruit and vegetables, frozen meals, bread, toiletries and period products.
In some disadvantaged communities, 1 in 4 cannot afford to buy food when they run out. Disproportionately impacted are women, young people and those from asylum seeker, refugee and migrant backgrounds.
– Moreland Health & Wellbeing Profile, Moreland City Council, Dec 2020
Our Story
Nourishing Neighbours was formed in 2020 as a result of the COVID pandemic. Most food relief programs had closed due to the hard lockdown, despite being classified as an essential service. Witnessing the growing inability to access emergency food supplies in a time of great need, the idea of Nourishing Neighbours was born.
Things moved quickly from there when we were given a space by the Rotary Club of Pascoe Vale and with the help of the local community set up our pantry. After completing mountains of charity and taxation documentation Nourishing Neighbours became a registered charity late 2020 and gained full DGR status from the Australian Taxation Office.
Our Services
We offer dietary and culturally appropriate emergency food relief, toiletries and period products.
All clients access our service via support agency referral only. This ensures everyone accessing our service is being supported in their time of need and have access to other services that may be of benefit.
Our food relief service is accessible once a week and is stocked with pantry items, fruit and vegetables, bakery items, frozen meals, period products, toiletries and baby formula.
All dietary and cultural requirements are catered for, with a large range of halal, gluten free and vegan options.