MORE than one thousand meals have been delivered across Queanbeyan as part of an emergency food relief program.

Through Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council’s (QPRC) COVID-19 Food Relief Hub, launched two weeks ago, about 1008 meals and 104 food hampers have been distributed to people in need.

The hub, operating from council’s AXIS Youth Centre at Town Park, is a collaboration between council and community partners.

QPRC’s community development program co-ordinator Terry Campese says the demand for food relief has been huge.

“We are delivering about 300 meals a day and about 50 hampers a week,” Mr Campese says.

“We have about 40 volunteers helping us to deliver the food so we are now extending the service into Googong and Jerrabomberra.

“It’s a tough time for families, once rent and mortgages are paid, food is always the last thing purchased, there’s so much on everyone’s mind at the moment.”

Meals are being provided by Garry Malhotra from “Ken Behrens Helping Hands” and food hampers are being prepared with the help of local community groups.

“We’ve been getting donations for the food hampers from Oz Harvest, the Queanbeyan Leagues Club and Aboriginal Affairs and those hampers go out weekly,” Mr Campese says.

“F45 Queanbeyan and Jerrabomberra public school are doing a food drive for us so we can make more hampers. The community is really jumping on board. It’s great to see the support out there.”

Queanbeyan Lions club member Karen Abbott is one of 40 volunteers helping to deliver meals, food packages, masks and hand sanitiser to those who need it.

“It’s great to be out and about contributing during such a hard time,” Ms Abbott says.

“There’s so many vulnerable people in our community. Some people cant get out, some people have lost their jobs and don’t have the support of people, so it’s nice to be able to help and give back to the community.”

Those in need of food relief in the Queanbeyan area can visit food.wkit.com.au