Foodbank SA & NT has officially opened a permanent Food Hub site in Katherine, aiming to enhance local food security and improve disaster preparedness within the region.

The newly established facility, located at 15 Emungalan Road, features a warehouse and a Food Hub, offering direct access to low-cost groceries, including free fruit and vegetables, for families in need who are referred from community agencies. It is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9am to 2pm.

Foodbank officials said the expansion into Katherine is designed to support local communities by increasing the volume of food distributed, with an emphasis on offering fresh produce to assist those facing daily hardships, as well as those impacted by emergencies.

“The need for the new Foodbank Katherine operation is a deliberate decision from our board and team to mitigate the impacts on food security during disaster in the Territory. Foodbank have provided response to disaster in the Territory for many years, the new site will support disaster preparedness, particularly for our communities,” Foodbank SA & NT CEO Greg Pattinson said.

Mr Pattinson said that food insecurity in Australia affects a wide range of individuals, from children to seniors. He said the Foodbank Food Hub Katherine will also operate like a general store, providing those in need with a dignified shopping experience where they can buy items at much lower prices.

“Already the site has distributed enough food for more than 20,000 meals for those in need,” Mr Pattinson said.

Foodbank Katherine was established with the assistance of Round One of the Disaster Ready Fund, which is supported by the Federal Government. This initiative aims to provide food relief during times of disaster in the Territory. The new locations in Darwin (Yarrawonga), Alice Springs, and now Katherine are strategically chosen to reduce risks during the disaster season and to enhance support for the Territory when it needs it most, the Foodbank said.

For over 13 years, Foodbank has been providing food relief support to the Territory.

The Foodbank Katherine operation aims to distribute 240,000 kilograms of food relief in its first year, providing approximately 480,000 meals to families in need. The new warehouse will enhance support for local charities, agencies, and communities in addressing their food relief needs, with expectations of increased distribution in the second year.

“We know people are facing tough times at the moment and this is impacting food security and people’s ability to access high-quality and affordable food,” Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour MP said.

“This Hub will help ensure the community has enough food during natural disasters or periods of emergency management. It’ll also provide much needed support and affordable food to those who need it most.”