Bank staff donate a feast to Bendigo Foodshare

A food drive has helped raise 180 kilograms of food for Bendigo Foodshare to distribute to people experiencing hardship.

Local Bendigo Bank, Rural Bank and Sandhurst Trustee staff keen to support a worthy cause, donated the food items in the lead up to Christmas.

The not-for-profit group source and distribute much needed food to more than 80 groups across central Victoria, including schools.

Bendigo Foodshare Manager, Steven Coles thanked Bendigo Bank staff for the kind donation to Bendigo Foodshare.

"It is only through donations such as these that we are able to provide food for those experiencing hardship in Central Victoria, Mr Coles said.

"About one in nine people in Central Victoria experience times when they do not have enough money to buy food for their next meal.

"Sometimes this is due to natural disasters, sometimes it results from illness, but often it is just unexpected bills that tip a family into significant hardship. This is the reality of food poverty.

"The cereals, pasta and canned foods provided pre-Christmas from Bendigo Bank staff will be distributed throughout central and northern Victoria to over 80 schools, preschools, welfare agencies and providers of community meals programs for those in need," Mr Coles said.

Bank staff also raised $1,100, providing an additional 16,000 meals to those in need.

Bendigo Bank Executive, Robert Musgrove, said the staff members who co-ordinated the drive were pleased with the response.

"We put the word out to staff and they recognised that it was a real opportunity to help people in need in the lead up to Christmas," Mr Musgrove said.

"The Bank’s support for organisations such as Bendigo Foodshare will mean good outcomes for hundreds of local people.

"Not-for-profit organisations make an important difference in our community; and we applaud the commitment of all the people who work to make projects happen for the benefit of local people.

"Bendigo Bank is right behind initiatives that are focussed on making better the lives of people in our community.

"Thanks to the generosity of our staff we were able to provide this support to Bendigo Foodshare."