IT started with just 12 boxes of groceries but has grown to more than 50 as the Flagstone Food Bank supports families, single mums and pensioners in the area.
But from the end of March, the service's rent-free venue at Flagstone Community Centre will be unavailable and the food bank will have to move.
Daniel and Tammy Cinzio who run the food bank have managed to secure another venue - a vacant building at Flagstone Central.
"But we need to raise funds to cover costs including rent and utilities. People pay a handling fee of $15 when they collect their boxes, however this just covers the cost of the food... and we don't want to increase the price," Ms Cinzio said.
"We have applied for grants but they don't cover rent, just equipment," she said.
The couple will now approach the local Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce and are even considering opening an op shop to bring in some more money.
"If the funds are not raised, sadly, we will be unable to continue serving the needy families in Flagstone, as we will not have a venue. We do not want this to happen," Ms Cinzio said.
Since the food bank started in May last year, they have supported more than 45 families per week.
"The needy families come in all shapes and sizes - single parents, aged pensioners, the unemployed, those suffering with health problems or disability, those escaping domestic violence, and families just struggling to make ends meet."
For just $15 people get a box of groceries, two large bags of fruit and vegetables, as much fresh bakery bread as they want, a bag of frozen products and items from the 'take it if you need it' table, which includes nappies, cleaning products, formula, milk and shampoo.
The Cinzios have been involved in the Flagstone community for 12 years and have had support from many local businesses in the past year.
The couple have the help of their three children, and volunteers including their neighbour David Gregg.
"When people first arrive to collect food parcels, they are a little embarrassed and unsure. But it is wonderful to see their expressions on their faces when they are able to collect food and items they need," Mr Gregg said.
"We don't want to move out of the area because the bulk of the people coming to the food bank are from Flagstone and Jimboomba. We don't want to stop, we want to give back... it's a blessing to give," Ms Cinzio said.
Support the food bank and donate on the Go Fund Me page - Keep Flagstone Food Bank open - https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-future-of-flagstone-foodbank
Angela Kelly
Redland City Bulletin senior journalist covering politics, community issues and human interest stories. South African living the dream in Australia.
Redland City Bulletin senior journalist covering politics, community issues and human interest stories. South African living the dream in Australia.
