Reflecting on the Lenten Food Drive 2026

Lent is a time of spiritual renewal leading towards the celebration of Easter. In this time, Christians prepare themselves to reflect the love of God revealed in Jesus’s cross and resurrection, by cultivating generosity in their own lives. It is a season that calls us to turn outward and respond to the needs of others. 

This year, our community embraced that call to stand in solidarity with extraordinary generosity, by participating in the JRS Australia Lenten Food Drive. 

Thanks to the support of more than 30 schools, parishes and community groups, over 1,200 grocery bags filled with food and essential items were donated across the six weeks of Lent. Each contribution has helped ensure that families seeking asylum in Sydney are supported with care and dignity.  

JRS Australia supports 200 families through our Foodbank. Many of the people we walk alongside face significant barriers to meeting basic needs, often living for extended periods without work rights or access to government support while they seek protection in our community.  

“The donations received during Lent have made a meaningful and immediate difference to the families that come and visit us,” says Food and Material Aid officer Vaish, who runs the Foodbank. 

Over the course of Lent, communities gathered essential items including cooking oil, canned tuna, lentils, long-life milk, dishwashing liquid and laundry detergent. These items help to ease financial pressure for families navigating high costs of living and uncertainty.  

We are also deeply grateful to those who contributed supermarket and chemist gift vouchers. These vouchers provide families with the flexibility to choose what they need most, supporting autonomy and preserving dignity during challenging times. 

People seeking asylum need access to vouchers all year. Learn more here. 

“Beyond meeting immediate needs, the Lenten Food Drive reflects the deeper spirit of the season, where we reflect on what we have, and stand alongside some of the most sidelined members of our community, to build a community where all may flourish,” shared Fr. Brett O’Neill, S.J., JRS Australia’s Country Director. 

 Through your generosity, families are reminded that they are not alone, and that a wider community stands with them in solidarity. 

We extend our sincere thanks to every school, parish, workplace, and community that took part. Your commitment to walking alongside refugees and people seeking asylum is powerful to witness, and shows us  what can be achieved when we act together. 

You can take action all year long

While Lent has come to an end, the need for support continues. 

We invite you to continue walking with us by:

• Volunteering with JRS Australia  

• Making a donation  

• Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter to stay connected with our community 

• Following JRS Australia on social media