Partnering with The Salvation Army Parramatta to feed people going hungry

Since they began running their Market Day program two years ago, Wednesdays are always busy at The Salvation Army Parramatta. That’s because fresh, nutritious SecondBite produce is readily available to the community they serve, among other appealing amenities.  

“On our Market Day, we also have our café open to the public for barista coffee and snacks at no cost,” explains Roza Gutschow, who oversees The Salvation Army Parramatta’s Community Programs.  

Roza also reiterates how SecondBite food is an essential part of The Salvation Army’s community market Wednesdays and their regular service to registered clients on Mondays and Fridays.  

Just ask Henry, seen here setting up crates of beautiful SecondBite food for a recent Market Day. This community legend comes in to volunteer every day. With this level of commitment, it’s no wonder he recently received their Volunteer of the Moment award. 

According to Roza, “Henry loves chatting with people and assisting them with their needs. He feels happiest when fishing and knowing that he has made a positive difference in someone’s life.”  

At this Salvation Army branch, SecondBite food is much more than nourishment. When people present hungry, the welcoming team can help them access other great services, helping to relieve everyday stresses and foster meaningful connections.

“We have Georgette, a hairdresser,” says Roza. “We have our financial counsellors and caseworker on site for appointments… clothes, shoes, and nappies that we give to people who need it.” 

It takes many hands to run a Market Day, like Market Day volunteer Mac who is constantly picking up food from SecondBite or Coles as part of our community connect program, new Market Day volunteer but longstanding aged care volunteer Lata, and retired midwife and nurse turned volunteer Lilly.  

“Our volunteers and community members spend time together in the café and we all work towards building a community of care where anyone can contribute and where everyone is welcome,” says Roza proudly.   

At SecondBite we are proud to partner with more than 1,000 charity partners nationally that share our commitment to addressing food insecurity in Australia.