NourishEd Australia is a community charity based in Lake Macquarie, founded in December 2023 by a small group of family members. The document is their annual report for the 2025/26 financial year, aimed at supporters, potential donors, and the local community. It explains the charity's mission to eradicate hunger and homelessness through food relief and educational support. The report opens with…
NourishEd Australia is a community-funded charity based in Lake Macquarie, founded in December 2023 by Jeremy, Mikki, Clementine, and Nic. This annual report covers the 2025/26 financial year and is intended for supporters, donors, and the local community. It explains the charity's mission to eradicate hunger and homelessness through food relief and educational support.
The report begins with the charity's background, including its founding story and rapid growth from a small shop in Toronto. By mid-2024, it was a registered charity with tax-deductible status, opening its doors in August 2024. Within four months, it had 10 volunteers and served over 350 people, distributing 850 hampers.
Key statistics for 2025/26 are presented: 7,000 free meals, 1,210 low-cost hampers, 5,824 free cafe visits, 3,918 free hampers, 1,043 free pet food packs, and over 10,000 conversations with vulnerable people. Core services include $10 recipe-based grocery hampers, $5 snack hampers, a free open pantry with fresh produce and hygiene products, free meals, a free cafe, and winter warmers.
The report details the local need, citing a 12.3% increase in homelessness in Toronto between 2016 and 2021, 81% of Lake Mac residents facing high rental stress, and 12.3% of Lake Mac children living in poverty. It also highlights the volunteer team of over 50 people, contributing the equivalent of four full-time employees weekly.
The document describes the diverse backgrounds of guests served, including those experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, financial hardship, mental health challenges, veterans, and First Nations Australians. It emphasizes the charity's no-barrier approach, requiring no applications or referrals.
The final sections outline ways for businesses and individuals to help, including sponsorship, fundraising, hosting donation terminals, donating goods, and regular giving. The report concludes with plans for 2026/27, including introducing a fourth weekly service day, launching a laundry service and hairdressing program, expanding the cafe, and building new partnerships across the Hunter Region.