The last thing my waistline needs is to sink a pie (or two), but this weekend my family will be having a pie night – a Pattie’s Pie night – and I urge you all to do the same in the coming weeks.

Patties Foods is a great local company that has done so much for our community over many decades and those who live locally will know that only too well.

From the many important causes they have supported in our community to the countless clubs and events they have sponsored – no one can argue they are not a heart and soul East Gippsland company.

Patties is also one of our region’s greatest success stories, growing from a small family run cake shop in Lakes Entrance in 1966 to employing around 600 people today.

The issues of the past week have been well publicised and indeed they are unfortunate for both those affected and a company that undertakes testing not only well above Australian standards, but has amongst the highest levels  of testing undertaken by such companies.

At the time of writing this column the link between the illness and the berries is yet to be confirmed and remains a precautionary recall of product.

However, regardless of if/when this occurs - I believe this is the time when we should all be showing our support to a company that has done so much for us.

On Sunday night this week I posted on social media a comment of support for the company and have never seen anything go as viral so quickly from a local context with overwhelming support. Management and staff should know they have the community’s support at this time (if you have any doubt look at my facebook page).

It may well be a case that improvements to national testing come from this unfortunate situation, but we should all note that this product is imported as Australian growers cannot meet demand, by a company that supports local producers where it can and tests imported produce over and above the national standards.

Pattie’s has given our region so much over a long period of time. I believe that at this time, more than ever, we need to do our bit for them.

If you feel the same way, my suggestion is for you to join me in having a pie night – a Pattie’s Pie night – so we can give a bit back to this fantastic local company that will be here for many more years to come.