February was a busy month for OzHarvest Gold Coast as they celebrated their five million meal milestone and the launch of a new series of NEST workshops with two charities in the local community.

OzHarvest Gold Coast Manager Brenda Tripp explained that the major milestone was a huge achievement for the team.  “We were incredibly proud to deliver our five millionth meal to St John’s Crisis Centre, a charity OzHarvest has supported since inception, delivering fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, dairy and assorted frozen meals three times a week for local men, women and children in need.”

Reverend Jon Brook from St John’s Crisis Centre thanked OzHarvest for its ongoing support and commitment to supporting their charity, which provides a range of services and support including meals and a drop in centre for food relief. “The impact of receiving this food goes beyond feeding hungry people as it saves valuable funds which are able to redirect to provide other essential services to help support those doing it tough in the local community.”

OzHarvest Gold Coast relies on regular food donations from over 170 local businesses, including National Food Rescue Partner Woolworths who provide a regular supply of fresh and nutritious food to help support more than 77 organisations in the region.

Thanks to new funding from Greater Charitable Foundation, the team were also delighted to start a new series of NEST (Nutrition Education Sustenance Training) programs on the Gold Coast.

The first session under the new funding initiative was held earlier this month for residents of Horizon Housing, a consolidated group of two charities that manages and develops community and affordable housing for those on low and moderate incomes.

OzHarvest Gold Coast NEST Coordinator, Sarah Carroll, is grateful for the new funding, which has secured the running of the program in 2019.  “NEST is designed to help to break down barriers associated with cooking by improving life skills around buying and preparing food at home, which ultimately leads to increased self-sufficiency, independence, better health and a positive lifestyle for the participants involved.”

Greater Charitable Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Anne Long, highlights the important role OzHarvest plays in the community and the benefits of the NEST program. “At Greater Charitable Foundation we are all about giving back to the community that supports us and we are grateful to be able to work with charities, like OzHarvest, to help make a difference.”