Brief History

The Southern Peninsula Food for All began in response to needs in our local community. These needs emerged at Poverty Forums arranged by the former Shire of Flinders in 1991. Its work has been ongoing from that time. It is ecumenically and community based.

Apart from individual members Food for All’s Committee of Management includes persons drawn from the local Churches and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. We are an all-volunteer Organisation.

In September 2016 we saw the dedication of our new Distribution Centre and Van, both of which were made possible through community donations, and which provide us with a sound base to continue our work. The Van’s registration is “FR. JOHN” named in memory of Fr. John Hannah, a much-loved Priest from St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sorrento who was an ardent supporter of our work.

Food is collected from bins marked “FOOD FOR ALL” in local Supermarkets. Local Schools also support Food for All by arranging Food Collection drives within their school communities.

Food is purchased from three local Supermarkets whenever possible when items are on special and most supermarkets also grant us an additional discount. These purchases, with funds donated by clubs, organisations and individuals, enable balanced food parcels to be provided.

Currently an average of 100 food parcels are packed every Thursday morning at our Distribution Centre in the grounds of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 16 Hinton Street, Rosebud. The parcels contain a packet of cereal, pasta, pasta sauce, long life milk, coffee, biscuits, tinned fruit, tinned meals, tinned vegetables, cheese, vegemite, baked beans and noodles, together with various other donated items. 

0n referral the food, parcels are distributed by members of the local Conferences of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and also the Southern Peninsula Community Support team at Rosebud.

The work of all volunteers associated with Food for All is outstanding.

 In its 33 years of operation Food for All has packed and distributed over 75,000 food parcels. 

Food for All is most fortunate to have strong community support and it would not be possible to operate without the Mornington Peninsula’s loyal and caring public. It makes volunteering for Food for All so very special and worthwhile.