THE Mornington Community Support Centre (MCSC) operates fresh food programs throughout the week to support locals who are experiencing hardship. Most days there is fresh food available from a range of sources at the Main St Centre, and at St Marks Church on Barkley St Mornington, with volunteers collecting food from a variety of stores, farms, and suppliers, together with Second Bite and Oz Harvest deliveries. Each week MCSC provides food assistance to over 300 people without judgement or question.
The cost of coordination, staff, and other elements of the program are not covered by any government department, and we are so grateful for the support of our local Community Bank for stepping up to the plate to support those in need by sponsoring the whole program for three years. Contributing $40,000 this year, and $20,000 for the following two years, this sponsorship represents a firm commitment from Community Bank Mount Martha for the people of this area, the biggest financial commitment in our history.
“Our partnership with Community Bank Mt Martha represents a significant and unwavering support for the most vulnerable in our community” said Ben Smith, CEO of the Mornington Community Support Centre. “Too often we overlook the financial implications of providing support to those in need, and this sponsorship shows the commitment to ongoing professional delivery of support services.”
Gary Sanford, Community Liaison Officer at Community Bank Mt Martha says “Given the growth of our business through the support of local people and businesses, it’s our sincere pleasure to partner with MCSC in the delivery of the Fresh Food program. We love the work of the MCSC, and appreciate the wrap around service they offer through their programs. Our organisation could not let this opportunity pass to make a meaningful contribution to helping those in our community with the most basic but critical provision of food.”
First published in the Mornington News – 18th July 2023
