{"id":11389,"date":"2022-06-02T05:54:39","date_gmt":"2022-06-01T19:54:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.foodbank.org.au\/2022\/06\/02\/megans-story-mobile-foodbank\/"},"modified":"2025-09-15T14:52:16","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T04:52:16","slug":"megans-story-mobile-foodbank","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.foodbank.org.au\/megans-story-mobile-foodbank\/","title":{"rendered":"Megan’s Story – How our Mobile Foodbank Helped Feed her Family"},"content":{"rendered":"

Megan’s story<\/span>\u00a0 <\/h1> <\/div>
\"\" <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>

\u201cYour child eats first\u201d \u2013 is there any parenting instinct more basic than this one?\u00a0\u00a0 <\/h4> <\/div> <\/div>

It\u2019s not something most give a thought to in their day-to-day, but for Megan and other single parents in our Mobile Foodbank queues, securing your child\u2019s next meal is a constant source of stress.\u00a0 <\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>

How our Mobile Foodbank helped Megan feed her family <\/h3>

When Mobile Foodbank first came to Willagee 3 years ago, Megan and her daughter, now 13, had been at rock bottom for quite some time. The story of how they got there is all too familiar. In her 20\u2019s Megan considered herself a successful young adult. She worked as a salesperson for a large international phone safety company, had travelled overseas and was settling down with a partner and beautiful baby daughter.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/p>

There were times when my daughter was very young, where I’d just eat her scarps. I’m very good with my money so we’ve never been without, but it would be just very basic food, beans on toast and things like that. <\/p>

Megan\u2019s hopes for domestic bliss were soon displaced by the daily struggle of dealing with the violence of her partner. They moved homes many times, leaving a trail of broken rentals. Megan was left broken too – by the time she got out of the relationship Megan\u2019s mental health was \u201cjust horrible\u201d.\u00a0 <\/p>

Putting yourself first isn\u2019t what parents do, and Megan\u2019s most urgent need was to make sure her daughter had food. While there were youth services available, Megan found there weren\u2019t many options for the over thirties.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/p>

\u201cThere was a lot of driving around. Trying to find handouts is embarrassing, it’s kind of soul destroying,\u201d said Megan. \u201cThere was nothing readily available. I was being told, \u2018you’re too old\u2019, \u2018you should have your act together by now\u2019, \u2018you should be able to provide for your child.\u2019 It wasn’t like she was going without. Sometimes the school would provide breakfast for her, but I would make sure she was there for that.\u201d <\/p>

\u201cWe would sometimes go to the free meals at the churches, but when my daughter was young I had a lot of social anxiety. If you go to these places they want to talk to you. There are times you just need someone to look at you with compassion and go \u2018here have a feed\u2019, you know? You don’t want someone to say \u2018how’s your life got to this point?\u2019” <\/p>

\u201cI became really low in iron at one time, because I wasn’t eating very much and I was very thin. I kind of wish I was a bit thinner now. You can tell Foodbank has been feeding me up!\u201d <\/p>

When Foodbank WA provides food to a client, it takes away their most urgent need. With kids fed and food in the pantry, they\u2019re able to focus attention on other areas of crisis such as housing, debt, employment, ill-health or fleeing domestic violence.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/p>

For Megan, that first visit to Mobile Foodbank nearly four years ago marked an important turning point.\u00a0 <\/p>

\u201cWhen I was standing in line, it was a little bit nerve wracking. You feel a bit like \u2018oh this is me, this is where I’m at right now.\u2019 But then you get the food parcel and you look through it and you can’t help but smile,\u201d said Megan. <\/p>

\u201cIt was like Christmas. And it still IS like Christmas, every time I get a pack. I love getting it home and opening it up. It\u2019s a nice feeling unwrapping all the goodies.\u201d <\/p>

Megan shops at our Mobile Foodbank nearly every week, picking up a meat pack, a deli pack and sometimes a fish pack.\u00a0 <\/p>

\u201cI don’t like taking freebies. I always think \u2018oh maybe there’s someone that could do with it more than me,\u2019 but because we do pay for it that takes away the stigma of being charity.\u201d <\/p>

\u201cWhat I particularly love about Foodbank WA is it gives us access to meat as it can be expensive. I really love meat and my daughter does too. I believe animal-based proteins are really important for the human brain, especially for a young person, like my daughter’s age,\u201d said Megan. <\/p>

\u201cAnd by the way, she’s in an academic extension program, she plays clarinet. She gets As and Bs all the way you know, she’s really, really good. I’ve got lucky somehow!\u201d <\/p>

Having regular access to affordable food has eased Megan\u2019s mental stresses and brought joy back to the kitchen.\u00a0 <\/p>

\u201cIt’s allowed me to take time out. I’m working again now. I’m volunteering cooking at a church and I’ve got a cleaning job. It really allows you to put yourself first as a parent – to heal – because you know you can afford the basics,\u201d said Megan.\u202f\u201cWith Foodbank WA, I can provide a higher quality of food to myself and my child, plus I love cooking. It’s a mental health thing – I LOVE cooking!\u201d <\/p>

Food security can be a fragile thing. When we first met Megan, she was on crutches with a broken ankle. She hadn\u2019t been to visit our Mobile Foodbank for a while as she was unable to drive. Megan says it took away her independence and made a notable impact on her finances and diet. \u00a0 <\/p>

\u201cI was such a mess. It all went to hell in a handbasket when that happened. It really rattled me,\u201d Megan said. <\/p>

While it was a major setback for Megan, it was at least only temporary. For too many others food relief is non-existent where they live and plenty of those in crisis don\u2019t have transport to reach our Foodbank Perth.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/p>

Our Mobile Foodbanks serve 26 metro locations on a weekly timetable. We\u2019ve added 20 locations to our service in the past two years but we\u2019re a long way short of meeting demand.\u00a0 <\/p>

Megan is grateful to be one of the luckier ones.\u00a0 <\/p>

\u201cOh my gosh through the pandemic Foodbank WA has been an absolute saviour. There was never any time period where you weren’t providing,\u201d she said. \u201cThe continuity is so good, the quality’s amazing and the Mobile Foodbank is just so convenient. For me not to have to go out to the airport and still be able to get these great deals, it\u2019s really excellent.\u201d <\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>

Latest news <\/h2> <\/div> <\/div>
\n
\n

The wheels spun and hearts united<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"The<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Northern Star Resources Expands its reach with Foodbank through WA<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Northern<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

A win for Australia and a win for WA families!<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

nom! Children is empowering parents and nourishing futures<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"nom!<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

nom! building confidence, connection and lifelong healthy habits<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"nom!<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

nom! Schools sets up healthy habits for life<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"nom!<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Our School Breakfast Program expands<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Our<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Turning corporate spirit into community impact this Christmas<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Turning<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

What a show-stopper!<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"What<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Meet Darren, our new Food Sourcing Manager<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Meet<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

A very personal journey<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Talison Lithium displays how it is easy to show you care<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Talison<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Fill your cup by filling a Hawaiian Giving Box<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Fill<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Give a Feed in 2025<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Give<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

nom! wins over Wheatbelt schools\u202f<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"nom!<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Hancock Iron Ore supports nom! Children in regional WA<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Hancock<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Alice worked hard all her adult life, now she has nowhere to go<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Alice<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Striking a pose at the Telethon Family Festival<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Striking<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

nom! Kids Kitchen at the2025 Perth Royal Show: that\u2019s a wrap!<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"nom!<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Why it\u2019s important to \u2018let it go\u2019<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Why<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Lotterywest donation boosts Foodbank WA\u2019s fresh food distribution capacity<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Lotterywest<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

In a world where you can be anything, be kind<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"In<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

nom! Schools creating lasting impact<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"nom!<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Building confidence and healthy habits with the nom! Children program<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Building<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Bigger than the game<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Bigger<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

School Breakfast Program really delivers<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"School<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Foodbank WA Community Kitchen delivers half a million meals<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Foodbank<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Regional partnerships help to meet growing demand<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Regional<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Foodbank WA fights hunger with FREE fruit and vegetables<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Foodbank<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Protein power<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Protein<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Ex-squeeze me, did someone say oranges?<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Ex-squeeze<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Stand-by list for Christmas Hampers<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Stand-by<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Powering food relief in Kalgoorlie Goldfields<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Powering<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Those most vulnerable, hit hardest<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Those<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

A thank you to melt hearts<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

From broken to brave<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"From<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

At Costa, every mushroom counts<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"At<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Find us on the Charity Trail<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Find<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Wheels of hope<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Wheels<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Alcoa continues to support Southwest communities<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Alcoa<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

National Nutrition Week<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"National<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Anti-Poverty Week – A call to action<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Anti-Poverty<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

A world away from everything you know<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Sustainability<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Community classrooms: nom! Schools delivers sessions in the red dirt<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Community<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

So much more than the post<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"So<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Food relief for students thanks to Allianz Partners<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Food<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

It takes a village – Help us grow our volunteer community<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"It<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Corporate Volunteering: Make a difference together<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Corporate<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Team up, give back, make a difference<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Team<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

What we eat influences how we feel<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"What<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

ToyBox helping us to deliver nom! sessions<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"ToyBox<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Repurposing is our middle name<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Repurposing<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Bringing food relief closer to home<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Bringing<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Diary of a Foodbank volunteer<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Diary<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

nom! Kids takes over<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"nom!<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

We are excited about our Grain Program<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"We<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Rain, hail or shine<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Rain,<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Cooking for a cause<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Cooking<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Serving up a unique menu<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Serving<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Small business, big heart<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Small<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Our Volunteer Stories | Teamwork<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Our<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Nom! building confidence, connection and lifelong healthy habits<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Nom!<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Do you have a Workplace Giving Program?<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Do<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Consistency is key<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Consistency<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

The seal of freshness<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"The<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

nom! Children program takes stress out of mealtimes<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"nom!<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

What do our customers say?<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"What<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

ERFAS 5 Year milestone<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"ERFAS<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

How we said Thank You<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"How<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Iluka serving up food relief to the mid-west<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Iluka<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

The power of resilience and a hand up<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"The<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Making meals, making memories<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Making<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Local love – sourcing fresh food in our backyard<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Local<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Ordinary people, extraordinary impact\u00a0<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Ordinary<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

The surprising group facing a lack of food in Australia\u00a0<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"The<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Fresh linen restores hope<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Fresh<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Together with Telethon, we are changing lives<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Together<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Foodbank Agency Pantry Project<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Foodbank<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Shane\u2019s Story<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Shane\u2019s<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

How do we source fresh fruit and vegetables?<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"How<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Interesting facts about Foodbank WA<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Interesting<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Making life a little bit easier\u00a0| Mark’s Story<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Making<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

South 32, Southern Ports and Talison Lithium support their local community<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"South<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Building confidence and healthy habits with the nom! Children program<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Building<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Our Volunteer Stories | The Pink Ladies<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Our<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Tackling hunger in the Goldfields<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Tackling<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Arc Infrastructure continues much needed support in Wheatbelt<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Arc<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Southern Ports supports struggling families<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Southern<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Omega Fresh ups the ante<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Omega<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Western Australian farmers feeding hope<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Western<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Lisa’s Story<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Lisa’s<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

How do we meet demand?<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"How<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Christmas spirit reaches remote WA with food hampers for families<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Christmas<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Our Volunteer Stories | Lyndsay<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Our<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Food is a basic human right<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Food<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

30 years of change<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"30<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Meat Food Safety Tips<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Meat<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

It could be your Mum or Dad, or you.<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"It<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

What does 26,200 kilos of fruit look like?<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"What<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>