$110,000 Raised

Shepparton Foodshare’s ninth annual ‘Make A Meal of June’ fundraising dinner held at Woolshed @ Emerald Bank on Wednesday, June 18 was a resounding success.

The event raised $110,000 which included proceeds of ticket sales, Monthly Partnerships, a $15,000 contribution from the Margaret Attwood Trust and an anonymous donation at the end of the evening.

Shepparton Foodshare Executive Officer Dee Healey said, “We are delighted at the outcome of Make A Meal of June and remain in awe of those that support Shepparton Foodshare contributing to our annual operating expenses.  This incredible support helps to keep our doors open and supporting people facing food insecurity to have dignified access to culturally appropriate and nutritious food.”

Attendees received an update on the operations of Foodshare’s new purpose-built food relief warehouse and distribution centre.  Presentations were also given by guest speakers, Gowrie Street Primary School Principal Eron Chapman and Chelsea Smith of Gowrie Street’s meals program 'Mandiga Algabonya'.  Shepparton Foodshare provides around 90% of the food to support the lunch program that is having a significant impact on their students and families.

Shepparton Foodshare has operated from the extreme generosity from the local community since its inception and established ‘Make a Meal of June’ in 2017 as a means to raising essential funds to contribute to operating costs.  Including this year, the event has now raised in excess of $830,000.

Monthly Partnerships for 2025/2026 were secured by Pho Viet Restaurant, Goulburn Valley Orthodontics, Lang Dairies, Diverse Builders, Neatline Homes, Goulburn Valley Dental, Shepparton South Rotary Club, Ian and Helen Parsons, Elders Insurance, Inspired Architectural Windows and Doors, Cardamone Real Estate, Soroptimist International of Shepparton and Noumi.

The need for food relief continues to grow. For the financial year end 2024, Shepparton Foodshare distributed a record 490,000 kilos of food, a 30% increase on last year, and the largest annual distribution since inception.  This bringing the total that the service has now distributed to 4.8 million kilos of food, or the equivalent of 9.6 million meals, and has redirected more than 4 million kilograms of edible food from entering landfill.

Food is distributed for free to registered emergency relief agencies, schools, community meals programs, faith organisations and neighbourhood houses. The people supported by these agencies include individuals, families, children, people experiencing homelessness and people from our multicultural community.

Dee said, “we sincerely thank everyone that contributes cash or in-kind support to Shepparton Foodshare each year and those that attend our fundraising dinner taking up the opportunity to come together as a community whilst enjoying the beautiful meals and the warm hospitality of The Woolshed @ Emerald Bank.”