Wagga's Uniting Church food mission is continuing to deliver much-needed supplies to the community, despite making a few coronavirus-led changes to the way it operates.
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Uniting Church Reverend Janice McWhinney has taken over coordinating the food service from Phil Sheather, who is self-isolating at home to stay safe during the pandemic.
Reverend McWhinney said her very small group of volunteers was continuing to reach out to local families "on the margin", who have limited income and rely on support support from services such as the food mission.
Her team, many of whom are elderly and self-isolating, is down from 60 to three members who are working hard to distribute goods to 15 to 20 families twice a week.
The food mission, or bread ministry as it is also known, is currently opening its doors for an hour from 10 o'clock each Tuesday and Thursday.
Reverend McWhinney said the ministry supplied food for disadvantaged people including the homeless and refugees, who would usually send one person to collect goods on behalf of their family.
"We have seen a decrease in the number of families coming to us at the moment," Reverend McWhinney said.
"But the good thing is they're able to get more than they would normally have. So they're able to get double the amount of groceries."
Volunteer Ray Bourke said the hamper system, where some goods were sold in $5 or $10 boxes, had changed.
"Now they're just giving it to people. It's made it much easier for people to receive something," Mr Bourke said.
"Some are taking bags of this or that, but they're taking the extra and giving them to their elderly people that can't come in."
Reverend McWhinney said hers was "a very small operation" which relied on donations.
"[It's] thanks to the generosity of a local supermarket. Without their generosity we probably wouldn't be able to open the doors," she said.
The mission's supplies are dwindling, and Reverend McWhinney encouraged people to consider giving financial donations if they were able to do so.
The ministry is presently unable to accept donated goods or fresh vegetables as they usually would.
"The issue with people handing in cans and what-have-you is that you can't clean them," volunteer Hunter McWhinney said.
Reverend McWhinney said the mission was following strict COVID-19 safety protocols, including only letting one person inside at a time.
"We're set up like a mini supermarket inside, so [people] can come in with one basket and take from the shelves ... people help themselves. And we're also encouraging them wear gloves as they come in," she said.
The missions drop in centre and breakfast in schools program have been suspended until further notice.
"God willing, the food ministry will continue. If our volunteers continue to come and stay healthy. And also if our food supplies continue. When the food supplies stops, unfortunately so does this ministry," Reverend McWhinney said.
Reverend McWhinney said she and her three volunteers were continuing usual coordinator Phil Sheather's passion.
"That's why we're here, because we love Phil and want to continue what he started," she said.
"He handed it over to us, graciously, and ultimately we thank him that he put his trust in us."
