Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make a financial donation?
You can make a financial donation in person or online. At our Op Shop and reception areas we have donation envelopes. Staff in both areas can help you. You can make this anonymous if you wish. To donate online, click the ‘DONATE’ link in the above menu and we will step you through the process. For donations above $2 we can provide a tax-deductible receipt.
We thank you in advance for your kind donation.
What’s a Pay it Forward Program?
A Pay it Forward is a program e.g. you buy a coffee and pay for someone else to have a coffee, the shop keeper keeps that amount and uses it to pay for a homeless or financially strapped person for a free coffee.
What we do at Food Relief is: Someone donates $10 to our program; a recipient who is experiencing financial hardship will receive their groceries free of charge. If we receive a $50 donation, this will make it possible for us to feed five (5) families without charge.
Sometimes recipients are having an extra stressful hard time and cannot pay for their groceries, with a Pay it Forward you are helping a family in need. It’s a great feeling knowing that for as little as $10 donation you can be part of helping someone in need.
Can I donate in someone’s honour / in memory of a loved one?
Yes! You can. More people are choosing alternative gift options for birthdays, holidays, memorials and many other occasions. Visit our ‘DONATE’ tab and we will step you through the process.
We thank you in advance for your kind donation.
Can I donate a food produce?
We always welcome donations of food. It must be fresh and not past its best before date. Bring in your eggs, lemons, tomatoes, apples etc, in season to share with our recipients. Cans are always greatly appreciated as they have a longer best before date.
Call us on 03 5622 3891 to discuss your delivery date with staff.
Will I receive a receipt for my donation?
You certainly can, we appreciate all donations and are overwhelmed by the generosity of the community. Make sure you include your name and email address of you wish to receive a receipt. You should receive our acknowledgement in 2 to 4 weeks after we receive your donation.
For donations above $2 we can provide a tax deductible receipt.
Will my donation be used wisely?
Yes! Baw Baw Food Relief has a ‘Pay it Forward’ Program. This means if someone donates $10 a recipient who is experiencing financial hardship will receive their groceries without charge. If we receive a $50 donation, this will make it possible for us to feed five (5) families without charge.
Sometimes recipients may experience financial hardship and cannot pay for their groceries, with a Pay it Forward you are helping a family in need.
Purchasing food for the shelves.
Where does your funding come from?
Being a Not-for-Profit organisation we rely on members of our community who kindly donate money. This assists us to feed the need in the Baw Baw Shire. Businesses make financial donations and can become our Charity Partner.
Op Shop customers often donate via our ‘’Pay it Forward’ Program.
We apply for numerous grants throughout the year. We operate an Op Shop and furniture store to assist Food Relief with the operating costs of rent, electricity, insurance and staple food.
Where are you located?
We are located at 6/11 Pearse Street, Warragul (off Queen Street). There is plenty of off-street parking.
When coming to collect my groceries, do I need to bring my own shopping bags?
Yes, we would appreciate you bringing in your own shopping bags. Like most supermarkets in Victoria we are unable to supply bags all the time.
If I’m not having a good day and just want to talk, can I drop in to your centre for a chat?
You will always be welcomed when you drop into our centre. If you require a listening ear, pastoral care or just a cup of tea or coffee, our doors will be open for you.
As our centre is operated by volunteers our hours are limited. But during the following times feel free to drop in and talk to staff.
Operating Hours are – Monday to Friday – 10am to 2pm
Enjoy a Tea and Coffee in our chat room
Pastoral Care – Prayers, listening and understanding (sometimes all you need is a hug)
What does your logo mean?
Our logo is made up by joining:
The sun, a heart, a dove, a hand, an apple and an olive branch.
Each represents their own but bringing them together and you have Strength; Compassion; Love; Protection; Knowledge, and Peace.