Twelve hours, 12 teams and one big goal – to get a mobile food van on the road helping those doing it tough across the Illawarra.
The Need a Feed Swim Challenge will take over the UOW Aquatic Centre on September 21 to raise funds for the local charity's Mindful Meals program as demand for its services grows.
“With a mobile food van, we can then reach different parts of the Illawarra and reach more people, feed more people and connect with more people,” says Need a Feed founder Shaz Harrison.
“If we had a dedicated van, we could get out there more, engage more volunteers and tap into the school breakfast programs – just feed more people easily and safely.”
Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown will officially open the challenge, which runs from 10am to 10pm.
At least one team member must be in the pool at all times across the 12-hour relay-style event, with prizes awarded for best costume, most money raised, most laps completed and more.
The day will also include food, raffle prizes and goodie bags for swimmers and guests, thanks to a partnership between Need a Feed and the Figtree Lions Club.
You can enter as a team, or sign up solo and be placed with others.
'We feed the mind, body and soul'
Since 2012, Need a Feed has worked with more than 30 organisations across the region to provide food, support and care to locals in need.
Shaz says that support is needed now more than ever due to rising living costs, food insecurity, and increasing rates of domestic violence and homelessness.
“We’re the voice for people who can’t speak up,” she says. “People who are going through all kinds of situations - from couch surfing to DV, homeless people and people who are lonely.
“Even if they can afford to buy food, people who just don’t have a social network.”
Need a Feed runs free weekly services, including the Monday morning Breakfast Buddies at Globe Lane in Wollongong and the Thursday Community Connection Lunch at Bulli Community Space from 11am to 1pm.
“We feed the mind, body and soul – we’re not just filling people’s bellies,” Shaz says.
“People feel like they belong, they help us cook the meals and sometimes they help us set up and pack up. It’s a real family community environment.”
Shaz was inspired to help others after going through domestic violence and struggling to afford food.
“That’s why I’m so passionate about the support we offer, because I had really good support when I was going through that situation,” she says.
“We’re not government funded, we are community funded. So we really need the help of the community to do what we do.”
Need a Feed was named Wollongong’s Community Group of the Year 2025 and Shaz recently received the NSW Premier’s Community Service Award.
“I’m absolutely honoured,” she says. “And it’s a nice boost for our volunteers as well, to see that, to show that we’re being seen and we’re making a real difference in so many lives.”
Register here to take part in the swim challenge or donate to a team.
