David Hammond with students at McCarthy Catholic College

Our work in Western Sydney continues to grow, with six school communities participating in a food drive program to support The Store in Mt Druitt which offers free or heavily subsidised healthy food options to low income families.

“We have developed a growing number of relationships with schools which are related to bringing sustainability to our work here,” says Dave Hammond, Jesuit Social Services’ General Manager in Western Sydney.

Dave recently spoke to students at McCarthy Catholic College in Emu Plains, with the student group organising a subsequent food drive.

“We give the students a ‘top 10’ or ‘top 20’ list of the food we are most in need of – which are all packaged and non-perishable food items” says Dave.

The food drives ensure that the shelves at The Store are full of low-cost items available to the local community. Last year, The Store and Jesuit Social Services’ op shop supported close to 20,000 people.

Students at McCarthy Catholic College are also planning a food stall project in which they will donate takings to Jesuit Social Services.

McCarthy Catholic College’s Sean McNally says the partnership between the school and Jesuit Social Services demonstrates “communities working with communities.”

“The partnership, now in its third year, continues to go from strength to strength. Staff and students have successfully donated hundreds of much-needed items to The Store and over $1,000 to continue the amazing work within the community,” he says.

“We really appreciate the ongoing support of the local community in helping us grow,” says Dave.

If you’d like to discuss ways to support our work in Mt Druitt, please contact Dave Hammond, david.hammond@jss.org.au