BASP would like to thank the City of Port Phillip for their ongoing assistance to BASP and the asylum seekers BASP supports with their Community Meals Subsidy Program. This program has ensured that BASP has been able to provide a lot of food to individuals and families in need.
Many asylum seekers have not only lost their SRSS benefit (a very small income given to some while their applications for protection are being assessed) but also, due to COVID 19, have lost their jobs. The City of Port Phillip has responded by initiating the ‘Share the Food’ Program and providing supplementary funds through their Community Meals Subsidy. One mother after receiving the food from a BASP volunteer said “Now I will be able to buy nappies”. A father said, “I never thought I would have to ask for food for my family – but this lets me sleep at night.”