Melbourne Polytechnic marks 5 years of support for BANSIC
Melbourne Polytechnic and BANSIC (Banyule Support and Information Centre) are celebrating 5 years of partnership, delivering practical support to local families experiencing food insecurity across Melbourne's north.
Over the past 5 years, Melbourne Polytechnic staff and students have contributed their time and skills through a range of initiatives supporting the Banyule-based organisation, which provides food relief to individuals and families facing hardship.
BANSIC's Foodhub distributes fresh produce, meat, eggs, pantry staples, frozen food and bread to community members experiencing food insecurity, with demand for its services continuing to grow amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
Since partnering with BANSIC, Melbourne Polytechnic has supported a range of programs and initiatives, including:
- The annual Christmas Appeals where staff donate goods and volunteer their time to prepare hampers for families facing hardship – with 200 delivered last year.
- Annual Winter Appeals, collecting non-perishable food and financial donations.
- Student participation in food drives and community donation initiatives.
- Volunteering support at the BANSIC Foodhub, assisting with operations and food distribution.
- Melbourne Polytechnic's Work Education ready-to-eat meal program, which transforms donated fresh produce into hundreds of nutritious meals for families experiencing hardship.
Melbourne Polytechnic's Chief Executive, Frances Coppolillo said the partnership reflects the institute's commitment to supporting the communities it serves.
"Partnerships like this remind us that education providers have a broader role to play in strengthening our communities.
"We are proud of what we have achieved together with BANSIC and the positive impact this partnership continues to have across our local community."
General Manager of the Banyule Support and Information Centre (BANSIC) and Foodhub, Jordy Bradley, said Melbourne Polytechnic's support had made a significant difference.
"Melbourne Polytechnic has been an incredible community partner. Their support goes far beyond donations. They provide practical assistance, volunteer time and genuinely care about making a difference in our local community.
"From preparing hundreds of frozen meals to volunteering in our Foodhub and supporting our Christmas Appeal, their contribution has had a lasting impact on the people we support every day.
"We are incredibly grateful for this partnership and look forward to continuing to work together for many years to come."
Since the partnership began, the collaboration has created opportunities for Melbourne Polytechnic staff and students to engage directly with local issues while helping address food insecurity across Melbourne's north.
For many staff and student volunteers, the experience provides valuable insight into the challenges facing members of the local community and reinforces the importance of accessible food relief services and strong community support networks.
As the partnership enters its fifth year, Melbourne Polytechnic acknowledges the generosity and commitment of the many staff and students who have contributed to its success.
Together, Melbourne Polytechnic and BANSIC's Foodhub remain committed to supporting local families, strengthening community wellbeing and creating meaningful opportunities for people to make a difference.