OPINION: Food a basic human right

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of volunteering with Just Zilch. And I call it a privilege because it really was.

The afternoon began with a tour of the premises by founder Rebecca Culver. She explained the dos and don'ts and how they ensure everyone gets their fair share of the food on offer. Then as soon as the clock struck 4.30pm people began making their way in.

I was tasked with manning the front counter - I had to count the number of people coming in and the number of food items going out. I worked alongside JZ volunteer Mark (not his real name) and was astonished at his attitude.

As people waited in line I could see the shame on many of their faces. But one foot in the door and Mark greeted them with an infectious happy attitude. It spread - the shame disappeared and you could see their relief.

I have to admit I admired these people for having the courage to ask for help. One man travels at least 30 minutes, once a week. He said he needed the extra help to feed his daughters -- I can't imagine the heartache he must feel as a father when he can't provide for his family.

JZ receives donations of unwanted or unused food - but as Ms Culver puts it, there is still so much going to waste. She started JZ because she saw a need and she saw how much food was being thrown away as rubbish.

The need has only grown.

And it wasn't the usual suspects people assume will come forward for the help. It was working families, struggling to meet the ongoing costs of living.

These women and men had their children in tow, some having to carry their groceries all the way across town.

But for them it's worth it.

JZ does not judge anyone and you don't have to get on your knees and beg. The process is not degrading like that of going into Work and Income, and the volunteers also try to set clients up with other social agencies.

Clients also meet and create relationships with others - for them JZ is a place of connections.

Ms Culver said there were so many people in legitimate need but they were not eligible for government help.

I did feel incredibly sad after leaving that evening. Sad that we as a society are letting our peers down. I think of how it must feel to not know whether you will be able to feed your children dinner, or give them lunch for school.

I am also appalled by the judgmental comments thrown towards JZ. They are an amazing organisation which is picking up the pieces of this increasing poverty we all see. Who are we to judge?

Many of you reading this are probably thinking, 'what about those who abuse the system'? Well, that's why JZ has processes in place to ensure people only take what they need.

Government cutbacks, high rents, low wages - the need for these stores is going to increase. We as a community need to support them instead of assuming the worst. Let's get behind them and help provide people in our community a basic human right.