RACV delivers 30,000 emergency meals to vulnerable communities impacted by COVID-19

Since its launch in March, RACV’s emergency goods assist service has delivered more than 30,000 meals to vulnerable communities across Victoria impacted by COVID-19.

As community services struggle to cope with increased demand, reduced food supply and fewer volunteers, RACV is proud to be delivering the 30,000th meal to Melbourne City Mission, just one of the organisations supported by RACV’s emergency goods assist service.

The emergency goods assist service has supported more than 30 community organisations, starting with deliveries around Melbourne and extending throughout Victoria to increase the reach to other communities impacted by COVID-19 and in some cases the catastrophic bushfires.

As part of the service, nutritious meals are prepared and packaged at RACV kitchens under the leadership of Executive Chef Jason Camillo and delivered to community organisations that support vulnerable and marginalised Victorians.

RACV Chief of Staff Louise Steinfort said, “RACV has been supporting the community for 117 years and today its more important than ever to be there for Victorians. This year has seen communities devastated by bushfires and now living with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In times of hardship and increased food insecurity, we are proud to do our part in helping those who need it most. In just over three months after establishing the emergency goods assist service in response to COVID-19, we are proud to have delivered 30,000 meals to people in need.”

Vicki Sutton, Chief Executive Officer, Melbourne City Mission, said the emergency goods assist service, has been critical to continue supporting young families and their children as well as young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness during the COVID-19 lockdown.

“We’ve seen growing isolation and disconnection in the community at this time and especially among our young people and families who are experiencing homelessness. The nutritious meals delivered by the RACV are an opportunity for them to sit down and reconnect during these stressful times and help to take some of the worry out of thinking about where their next meal will come from".

“The RACV emergency and goods assist service has provided much needed relief for so many community services organisations like Melbourne City Mission at a time when demand for support is at an all-time high and when so many are left unable to source their own food and supplies”.

To continue to support communities at this time, RACV has expanded the service to regional areas including Gippsland, Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula, Ballarat, Shepparton and the Mornington Peninsula.