Bringing relief to individuals and families who are experiencing food insecurity.

Empower Australia Food Relief Centre

Empower Australia’s food relief centres exist to support the most vulnerable people in our community.

Empower Australia partners with Foodbank, McCain and many others to supply food and basic household items to vulnerable members of our community. Including the elderly, refugees, single parents, homeless people and international students. Our doors are open for all who find themselves in need.

Our Approach

Seeking food relief can be daunting so Empower Australia has endeavoured to transform the experience by creating an upmarket grocery store where everything is free. In our welcoming space, recipients are empowered to choose the food items that suit their specific needs, thereby preserving dignity and offering a sense of normalcy.

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.

Food Relief Centre Locations

Since 2020, we've expanded our reach, launching four new sites in Clyde North, Lower Plenty, Ringwood, and Geelong. Now, over 1,500 people each week receive essential food and supplies from us. Our food relief centres are more than just places for relief; they are safe, welcoming spaces where individuals find community support and the encouragement they need to thrive during these challenging times.

For further insight into our charity, feel free to refer to our Newsroom. We were featured on Channel 9 News, highlighting the increasing demand of food insecurity.

Festive Season Closure Dates

All our Food Relief Centres will be closed for the holidays from Monday, 19th December 2022, and reopens on Sunday, 22nd January 2023. Empower Australia wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

City

412 City Road
Southbank VIC 3006
Sundays 9.30am – 1.00pm

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North East

360 Main Road
Lower Plenty VIC 3094
Sundays 8.30am – 9.30am

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East

251 Maroondah Hwy
Ringwood VIC 3134
Sundays 8.30am – 9.30am

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South East

Hillcrest Christian College
Gate 4/500 Soldiers Rd
Clyde North VIC 3978
Sundays 9.30am – 10.30am

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