Food Relief Response
Empower Australia’s Food Relief Centres are here to support the most vulnerable in the community.

Aware of the stigma that can be associated with receiving ‘handouts’, the Empower team strives to set up the Food Relief Centre like a supermarket where those participating can choose their own items. Empower always endeavours to provide practical assistance in a manner that preserves dignity and builds self-respect.
We have been in operation for the past 10 years, with our main site being located in Southbank. Since Victoria declared a state of emergency due to COVID-19, we have launched 4 additional emergency relief sites located in: Pakenham, Lower Plenty, Ringwood and Geelong. Presently, we provide supplies and food to nearly 1,100 people per week through our Food Relief Centres. Please note that all of our sites operate as an essential service and comply with all social distancing guidelines.
For further insight into our charity, feel free to refer to the following news sources. We were featured on Channel 9 News and highlighted by Tim Costello (Co-Chair of the Federal Government’s Charities Crisis Cabinet) on ABC Radio and featured in The Age.

Our Food Relief Centre that is available to members of the community facing hardship or food insecurity. Our doors are open to you and we would love to help where we can, in this time of great need.
Like all of Empower’s programs, the Food Relief Centre also serves as a safe, welcoming space where individuals can find the healthy relationships and community support they need to thrive.
Distribution and Expiration
Empower Australia receives a wide variety of food and grocery items from our generous donors, many of which are nearing the end of their expiration date. Our top priority is to get these items distributed to our local communities as soon as possible.
Our guidelines are consistent with Foodbank Victoria's distribution guidelines, which can be found on their website. Furthermore, the Australian (and New Zealand) Food Safety Standards specify two types of expiry dates – ‘Best Before’ and ‘Use By’ – which are commonly found on the majority of food items available at Empower Australia and in supermarkets.

City
412 City RoadSouthbank VIC 3006
Sundays 9.30am – 1.00pm
North East
360 Main RoadLower Plenty VIC 3094
Sundays 9.00am – 10.00am
East
251 Maroondah HwyRingwood VIC 3134
Sundays 10.00am – 11.00am
South East
RCS Products12 Bormar Drive
Pakenham VIC 3810
Sundays 9.00am – 10.00am
Geelong
Rear of 147 Marshalltown RoadGrovedale VIC 3216
Sundays 9.00am – 11.00am