Now it has a need.
It is seeking a couple of community members strong in governance in the not-for-profit sector, who are experienced in law and social enterprise, to join its board of directors.
Through collaboration, the charity provides food to individuals and families in the Goulburn Valley and beyond, who are hungry and experiencing food insecurity.
It remains the only local food rescue agency.
FoodShare’s role as a food collection, warehousing and redistribution service also relieves businesses from dealing with agencies who formerly sought support via food and financial donations by streamlining processes for businesses who want to donate, and agencies who need food for people they support.
Since 2012, the service has distributed a hefty 4.4 million kg of food — or the equivalent of 8.8 million meals — to people in need and prevented more than four million kg of edible food from going to landfill.
Every year, it distributes around 400,000kg of food to registered emergency relief agencies, schools, community meals programs, faith organisations and neighbourhood houses to support locals in need.
Shepparton FoodShare is mostly staffed by volunteers, with the equivalent of just 2.5 paid full-time staff.
With no guaranteed or recurrent funding, the service relies heavily on its own fundraising efforts, grant applications, philanthropy and community support to survive.
Its board is made up of members with a wide range of skills and experience who provide governance and strategic leadership to the organisation.
It’s now looking to fill the two vacant voluntary positions at the table.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a group of people who are dedicated to ensuring locals don’t go hungry,” board member Damien Willoughby said.
“Not just my fellow board members, but the incredible volunteers and staff.”
The 12-month positions come with the option to re-nominate each year at the organisation’s annual general meeting.
Board members are expected to prepare for, participate in and attend at least 75 per cent of monthly meetings, which run for roughly two hours each throughout the year.
“Shepparton FoodShare is a most worthwhile organisation that has proven its worth over 13 years now,” board member Jim O’Connor said.
“Practical business experience and an understanding of the needs of those less fortunate in society are the most helpful qualities to have, but life experience, enthusiasm and a good personal ethos are good qualities for a board member role.”
When necessary, board members are also required to serve on subcommittees, attend events or meetings to represent Shepparton FoodShare, support fundraising initiatives and use their own skills, knowledge and networks to foster and build partnerships with the organisation.
“Being on the board of Shepparton FoodShare is a fantastic way of making an actual difference and a major change to the community where we live,” board member Russell Smith said.
“Being on the board has also allowed me to build new relationships with skilled, experienced and like-minded individuals that I may not have had the benefit of working with in my daily activities.”
Shepparton FoodShare will move into its own purpose-built warehouse in Mooroopna in the coming months.
∎ For more information, contact Shepparton FoodShare’s executive officer on 0410 561 934 or via email to executiveofficer@sheppartonfoodshare.org.au
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