Local charity Rapid Relief Team are continuing delivery of Food Boxes to vulnerable people including those in self-quarantine, children in need, and families suffering from domestic violence in Westmead. 

Over the past month, 10 RRT Food Boxes have been delivered to families in the Westmead area, with over 1800 delivered to families in the greater Sydney region.

Part of RRT’s Food Box initiative, the boxes are designed to take a small amount of pressure off Aussie families in crisis and help them put food on the table. 

The NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro and the NSW Government endorsed the initiative, providing $250,000 for the provision of 4,500 Food Boxes for NSW individuals and families.

RRT Food Boxes continue to be safely packed exclusively by RRT volunteers from the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC), to be delivered to individuals and families across NSW. 

RRT Managing Director Ron Arkcoll said care and compassion were at the core of RRT’s outreach programs and said they were thrilled to be able to offer a small gesture of help to those who needed it.

“While we know the COVID-19 crisis continues to throw up never-before-seen challenges for us all, we are so humbled to be able to provide a small amount of relief to Westmead families,” he said.

“Our volunteers will continue to step up to the challenge and are committed to supporting our local communities through these tough times.

“Whether that’s filling a family pantry with some food items or putting a smile on the face of a neighbour – from an appropriate distance! – we hope these small acts go towards providing relief.

“Lastly, I want to again reiterate my thanks to the NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro and the NSW Government for their continued support,” he said.

RRT teamed up with Service NSW to ensure the donated Food Boxes continue to land in the hands of NSW residents most in need.

Westmead local, Anilkumer Jain, said, “I rang Service NSW as I was not able to go out due to the current pandemic, and I was glad of the support of RRT’s Food Box.”

“I am a vegetarian so there were a number of items in the Box that I couldn’t have, but the other items were great – the chocolate bars and the biscuits particularly,” he said.

The RRT Food Box initiative has delivered over 5,000 food boxes to people in crisis including those in self-isolation, children in need, and families suffering from domestic violence.

If you live in NSW and need support, please call Service NSW on 13 77 88 and select option 2 to speak with their COVID-19 support team. 

For more information, visit: https://rrtglobal.org/operations-appeals/rrt-food-boxes/.