The Victorian government has announced a $5 million investment to expand food rescue organisation SecondBite’s warehouse in Derrimut, increasing the organisation’s capacity to distribute surplus food across the state.
The funding will enable SecondBite to triple the volume of food it rescues and distributes, while doubling its support to regional Victoria and Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
According to the government, the expansion is expected to deliver the equivalent of around 100 million additional meals over the next decade, supporting an estimated 316,000 extra households.
“No Victorian should go hungry, that’s why we’re backing SecondBite so more families can get the support they need,” said minister for carers and volunteers Luba Grigorovitch.
“We’re securing Victoria’s long term food security so more surplus food can be rescued and delivered to Victorians doing it tough.”
The project will also consolidate operations by eliminating transport between SecondBite’s two existing warehouses, reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
The investment follows an $11.2 million commitment in the Victorian Budget 2026/27 to strengthen food relief services across the state. This includes $2.7 million in immediate support for food relief charities facing higher fuel costs.
The government is also continuing its Community Food Security Program, with the third round of the $8.5 million initiative now open until 9 July.
Grants of up to $100,000 are available to neighbourhood houses, multicultural organisations, faith based groups, volunteer organisations and other community groups to support food relief initiatives. Funding can be used for food parcels, groceries, community meals, fuel vouchers and volunteer support.
“We know just how tough so many Victorians are doing it right now – which makes this expansion of SecondBite’s Derrimut warehouse a game changer,” said member for Laverton Sarah Connolly.
