‘There’s not a lot left for essentials’: Demand spikes for food charity

Suncoast Care Supervisors Belinda Clark and Kieran Bergs say people appreciate the support they receive at the community grocery store in Howard Street. 

A low-cost grocery store in Nambour has seen a spike in demand brought on by housing affordability and high unemployment rates.

Suncoast Christian Care is a frontline charity offering Emergency Relief, a School Pantry Program, a Food Kitchen (The Daily Bread) as well as the community grocery store in Howard Street. It has worked in the community for more than 20 years.

Suncoast Care Supervisor Belinda Clark said the low-cost grocery store allowed people experiencing financial stress to become a member and access significantly reduced-price items.

She said there had been a dramatic increase in vulnerable people having food security issues since the pandemic which led to recent rental hikes. 

“Rents are super expensive and people are struggling with affordability issues and a shortage of cash at the moment,” she said. 

Floor Supervisor Kieran Bergs said, sadly, Nambour had a higher than average number of people struggling with substance and alcohol issues.

“It’s sad to see but if they spend money on drugs and alcohol there’s often not a lot left for essentials,” he said. “They get stuck in a constant struggle to take care of themselves balanced against their addictions.” 

Despite the hardship Belinda said the job had it’s rewards, mainly from the reactions of people who appreciated the kindness. 

“It’s lovely to see new people who come in. They think it’s amazing and it helps us keep going because you can see in their eyes how grateful they are. That sort of feedback helps feed us for the fight.” 

Kieran agreed. “We’ve had more than few people walk out in tears,” he said. “We get a lot of hugs. It’s wonderful to see the relief on their faces. You can see them thinking ‘Now I’m going to be able to make it to the next pay cheque’.”

Suncoast Care is at 24 Howard Street Nambour. Phone 5441 4877 or info@suncoastcare.com.au