Are you a Melbourne (Bundoora) student in need of food or other essential support? This fact sheet provides information on places in and around Bundoora that can help.
On campus
La Trobe Student Union (LTSU) Food Bank
Location: Ground Floor of Agora, Shop 113, La Trobe University, Bundoora
Provides: Food and household items specifically for La Trobe University students
Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 11am-2pm (dependent on supply & volunteers)
In the Bundoora area (Darebin Council)
Location: 31-61 McLeans Rd, Bundoora VIC 3083
Provides: Food parcels (non-perishable items, fresh fruit, vegetables, frozen meals, school snacks), toiletries, nappies, sanitary items, baby goods
Hours: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 9am – 3pm
Contact: 0422 461 847
Provides: Fruit, vegetables, milk, and bread.
Location: Bundoora
Contact: 0423 165 320
Other nearby support (Darebin & Banyule Councils)
Darebin Information, Volunteer & Resource Service (DIVRS) (Darebin)
Provides: Food parcels
Contact: 03 9480 8200
Salvation Army – Preston (Darebin)
Provides: Food relief
Contact: 1300 371 288
St Vincent de Paul – Call Centre (Statewide)
Provides: Food parcels, grocery vouchers
Contact: 1800 305 330
Banyule Support and Information Centre (BANSIC) (Banyule)
Provides: Groceries (fresh produce, eggs, meat, pantry staples, frozen food, bread), clothing vouchers, and other emergency material relief (for residents in postcodes 3079, 3081, 3084, and 3085).
Hours: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (12 pm – 3 pm) and Thursdays (10:30 am – 1:30 pm)
Contact: 03 9459 5959
Diamond Valley Community Support (DVCS) (Banyule)
Provides: Food relief (food parcels) and material aid
Location: Shop 378a, Level 3, Greensborough Plaza
Hours: Monday to Friday, 10 am – 4 pm (drop-in service available)
Phone: 9435 8282
Banyule Community Health (BCHS) (Banyule)
Provides: Food vouchers (appointments required). Emergency relief assessments are Monday to Friday, 10 am – 12.15 pm
Contact: 03 9540 2000 (Greensborough & Heidelberg West sites)
St Vincent de Paul (Vinnies) West Heidelberg (Banyule)
Provides: Food, food vouchers, and clothing (appointments required)
Call Centre: 1300 305 330
Greenhills Neighbourhood House (Banyule)
Provides: Currently some emergency food relief (pick up)
Hours: Thursdays, 9 am – 12:30 pm
Phone: 03 9435 9287 or 0423 452 922
CareNet (Banyule, Manningham, Nillumbik residents)
Provides: Food relief
Location: Manningham Christian Centre
Hours: Thursdays, 10 am – 2 pm (small fee of $5, bookings required)
Livingstone Community Centre (Banyule residents)
Provides: Food Bank (must have a valid Centrelink Pension or Health Care Card, bookings essential). Contact for booking information.
Material Aid (Non-Food items)
Diamond Valley Community Support (DVCS): Offers material aid. Phone: 9435 8282.
Banyule Support and Information Centre (BANSIC): Provides clothing vouchers and other emergency material relief. Phone: 03 9459 5959.
Big Group Hug: Provides essential material needs for vulnerable and disadvantaged children and their families (baby and children’s furniture, clothing, toys, nappies, formula). Contact them directly for assistance.
3081 Angels (Banyule Community Health): Donates pre-loved goods for children and families (clothing, toys, furniture). Contact BCHS on 03 9540 2000.
St Vincent de Paul (Vinnies) West Heidelberg: Offers clothing (appointments required, call 1300 305 330).
Additional resources
Ask Izzy: Website to find support services, including food relief, in your area.
Foodbank Victoria: Major food relief organisation supplying food to charities.
Uniting Vic.Tas: Provides emergency food vouchers and material aid. Contact: (03) 9192 8100.
Australian Red Cross: Provides limited emergency relief to people on temporary visas experiencing financial hardship. Check their website for more information and application process.
Study Melbourne Hub: Supports international students and can connect you with various services.
Community pantries in Melbourne (Wider area)
Reservoir Neighbourhood House: 2B Cuthbert Rd, Reservoir VIC 3073. Open Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Reynard Street Community Pantry: 104A Reynard St, Coburg VIC 3058. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Foodbank Victoria: 4/2 Somerville Rd, Yarraville VIC 3013. Open Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
Thornbury Church of Christ: 390-398 St Georges Rd, Thornbury VIC 3071. Open Monday & Wednesday, 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM; Friday, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM; Sunday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Gordon Street Little Pantry: 252 Gordon St, Footscray VIC 3011. Open 24 hours.
Important notes
- Always call the service provider before visiting to confirm their operating hours, eligibility requirements, and the assistance they can provide.
- Many organisations offer other forms of support, such as financial assistance, material aid, and referrals to other services. Don’t hesitate to ask.
- The City of Darebin can also help connect you with local services. Contact: 03 8470 8888 or visit their website.
Important tips for seeking assistance
- It’s always a good idea to call the organisation before visiting to confirm their operating hours, eligibility criteria, and what assistance they can provide.
- When seeking help, be ready to explain your needs and any supporting documents you might have (e.g., student ID, visa information if requested).
- When you contact these organisations, don’t hesitate to ask if they can connect you with other relevant services, such as housing support, or health services.
Disclaimer: This information is intended as a general guide and may be subject to change. It is recommended to contact the relevant organisations directly for the most up-to-date details.
To make an appointment to see a La Trobe University Financial Counsellor, please visit the webpage: