Community donates food to backpackers

The community is coming together to support backpackers stranded in the region by providing groceries and meals.

While residents are also struggling, there has been a movement to provide a little extra help for those stranded away from home.

Dunsborough resident Vangy Baker has been using her time to donate and transport fresh produce to be turned into meals, then to be donated to backpackers.

“I started posting on the Dunsborough Facebook page about it in March and I saw there was a need for fresh produce,” she said.

“That’s when I found there were backpackers in need.”

Since late March, she and other locals have been donating food to hostels and lodges.

“I’ve started dropping off the produce to a chef, who has been making food for the backpackers from the produce,” she said. The program is helping more than 20 backpackers in the region so far.

“We’re not dropping off meals every day — it’s just something to help them out each week,” Ms Baker said.

“The backpackers have been so grateful and really appreciative and said it made them feel less isolated.”

People who want to donate fresh produce can do so at Dunsborough Beach Lodge.