newy.com.au – Toronto charity NourishEd Australia has launched its 2026 Christmas appeal to help fund hundreds of free hampers and its first Christmas Day lunch, warning that reduced food supplies are adding to the cost of its regular services.
The volunteer led organisation says it supports more than 170 households each week, but changes to key supply partnerships have reduced its access to donated and rescued food. It is increasingly buying essential groceries to maintain its free Open Pantry and affordable hamper programs as demand for help grows.
The charity plans to distribute hundreds of free Christmas hampers through Hunter schools, starting two weeks before Christmas, to support students and their families. Hundreds more are planned for its guests and other community members experiencing hardship in the week leading up to Christmas, alongside toys and prepared meals.
NourishEd says each $10 donation to the appeal will help provide a festive hamper containing pantry essentials and snacks.
Its first NourishEd Together – Foreshore Christmas Lunch will be held at Toronto Foreshore Park on Friday, 25 December 2026, from 11am to 1pm. The charity expects about 150 people and says everyone is welcome, including people facing hardship, experiencing homelessness or spending Christmas alone.
Prepackaged takeaway meals containing fresh meats, salads and desserts will be handed out under the park’s rotunda. Seating will not be provided. Festive activities and a visit from Santa are also planned.
“We know there are families struggling to put food on the table, parents worried about providing Christmas for their children, and people who will otherwise spend Christmas Day completely alone,” the charity said in its appeal.
NourishEd says Your Craftsmen Roofing and Lake Macquarie City Council are supporting the lunch.
A separate Christmas Party Fundraiser will be held at Toronto Sailing Club on Friday, 4 December 2026, from 6pm to 10pm, with doors opening at 5.30pm. Tickets cost $30 per person and are available through NourishEd’s website.
The annual fundraiser will include catering by Café 2283, raffles, party games and entertainment. Proceeds will support the Christmas appeal, helping provide food, hampers, meals and other Christmas assistance.
The charity is seeking financial contributions, food donations, workplace food drives, volunteers and ongoing business partnerships to help deliver its Christmas program and maintain food relief into the new year.
