The Victorian government will provide $2.7 million in food relief funding to support families facing cost of living pressures.
The $2.7 million funding will be distributed across food relief organisations to support food supply and service delivery.
Foodbank Victoria will receive $900,000 to support distribution to frontline services. Seven regional foodshares across Geelong, Bendigo, Shepparton, Mildura, Warrnambool, Wodonga and Moira Shire, along with the Regional Food Security Alliance, will share $1.1 million.
SecondBite and FareShare will receive a combined $200,000 to redistribute surplus food, while OzHarvest will receive $200,000 to deliver meals. Sikh organisations including Victorian Sikh Gurdwaras Council, Sikh Volunteers Australia, Gurduara Council of Victoria and Australian Sikh Support will share $200,000 to continue food relief efforts.
Community Information & Support Victoria will receive $100,000 to assist families seeking support.
“This means these organisations can keep doing what they do best – showing up for people when they need it,” said member for Northern Metropolitan Region Enver Erdogan.
The funding builds on previous investment in food relief in the state budget and is intended to provide immediate support while longer term measures are developed.
“No family should ever have to worry about where their next meal is coming from,” said premier Jacinta Allan.
“This funding is going straight to the frontline, right now. It won’t solve every problem but it’s immediate help we can provide right now to people who need it most.”