Money can be scarce for the Corrimal teen, who has been studying a business course while searching the Illawarra for a job.

The lack of income means he and his mum, who suffers from a debilitating back injury, often go without to make ends meet.

"Sometimes money is a bit tight, other times we have a bit extra but we're always on a budget," Mr Lucas says.

"We always have cereal and the basic stuff but "luxury" items and brand names are the first to go.

"Juice, soft drink, ice-cream - we don't have things like that often."

To ease the burden, Mr Lucas has registered to receive a Need A Feed food parcel, which will provide them with fresh fruit and vegetables, bread and several non-perishable food items for a $15 donation.

The parcel is one of more than 100 the Need A Feed charity is hoping to distribute to struggling Illawarra families.

During July, Need A Feed wants people to support its food drive by dropping items like rice, pasta, cereal and canned foods into designated Illawarra businesses or Big Fat Smile childcare centres.

Families who register to receive the parcels will be able to pick them up from Access Community Group's Corrimal and Shellharbour offices between 11am and 1pm on August 19.

Mr Lucas, who has a 10-month-old daughter, said the food parcel would help free up some money for bills or other things.

People can register by calling Access Community Group on 4286 5600 or go to needafeed.org for more information.