Did you know that prior to the pandemic, over 20 percent of Australians experience food insecurity? This number has likely climbed with the lockdowns in Sydney as distribution logistics and workforce issues have also impacted the food supply, including in Surry Hills.
The restrictions have been a great reminder of the fragility of the food system in the country even as the majority of fresh food sold in Australian supermarkets is produced locally. Panic-buying has also been a factor in the shortage of food supplies.
Fortunately, local non-profits and some businesses have been working harder to provide food for families for as long as their resources and access to supply chains are open. By offering free meals or discounted food packages, residents in Surry Hills and the nearby suburbs won’t have to wonder where their next meals will come
If you know of families or vulnerable communities who may need help with food, let them know of this comprehensive list of reliable food security providers in Surry Hills and nearby suburbs. This is a mix of charity providers targeting specific groups and commercially available options.
| ORGANISATION | CONTACT DETAILS | PROVISIONS |
| Salvation Army | Tel: 13 72 58 Tel: 1300 371 288 (Crisis Assessment Line) | Emergency vouchers for food and financial assistance. Can be picked up from nearest Salvation Army store. If the client does not have access to a phone, there is an allocated phone at Sydney StreetLevel Mission Waterloo (Cnr of Phillip and Cope Street Waterloo) and Sydney Street Level Mission Surry Hills (Derby Lane off Albion Street, rear of 339 Crown Street Surry Hills) |
| St Vincent De Paul Intake Line | Tel: (02) 9560 2656 or 13 18 12 | Food, financial assistance and emergency relief Brekky Van operates from Prince Alfred Park in Surry Hills every Sunday from 9 am until 11 am. Provides hot cooked breakfast for homeless, marginally housed or those facing financial hardship |
| Surry Hills Community Connect | Email: sacha.lapi@facs.nsw.gov.au Email: judit.pege@facs.nsw.gov.au Mobile: 0417 225 724 | Frozen Meals are available every Tuesday & Wednesday, 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm for social housing tenants living in Surry Hills |
| Kinela | Suite 101, Level 1/72-80 Cooper St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia Tel: 1800 431 619 https://www.kinela.com/ | Meals designed by dietitians delivered to your home NDIS co-payment price from $1.50-$2.00 per meal |
| South Eastern CommunityConnect (SECC) | Shop 84, Eastlakes Shopping Centre Tel: (02) 8338 8506 | Shopping Bus, 1-1 Shopping, List Shopping, & Home delivery Service for over 65s Fruit & Vegetable delivery. $12 a box Meal Preparation in the home for over 65s. $10 per 2-hour session Open Monday to Friday 9 am-4:30 pm Delivery Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday |
| Lakes Gourmet DeliSpecialty Grocery Store | Shop 4,19A Evans Avenue Eastlakes Tel: (02) 9667 4776 or Mary (owner) on 0420 207 172 to order | Continental Delicatessen – range of local and imported small goods, cheeses and groceries. Delivery will be organised by the owners after 6 pm to the following communities: Eastlakes,Mascot, Kingsford, Kensington, & Maroubra Cash only Hours: 8 am-6 pm |
These charities and businesses may also need volunteers and donors to sustain their operations. Those interested to help out may also contact the organisations to enquire about donations and other logistical requirements.