Communities facing food insecurity will have increased access to healthy food thanks to grants awarded through the Allan Labor Government’s Community Food Relief program.
Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh today announced grants to two Peninsula organisations to help communities in need.
Community organisations and neighbourhood houses will receive up to $50,000 for individual projects and up to $75,000 for partnership projects to distribute fresh food and pantry staples.
Local Peninsula recipients include the Rye Community House, receiving $18,000, allowing them to build a custom outside food-safe cupboard, and purchase a portable fridge & freezer.
Funds will also cover a community lunch prepared by participants; and pay to deliver food security training for the Community House volunteers.
Dromana Community House has been allocated $31,650, for an upgraded kitchen to improve food relief provision; also allowing the house to establish a community café offering mid-week lunches.
The $4.5 million Community Food Relief Program includes Local Grants announced today, and Coordination Grants announced in October, helping to respond to the rising demand for food relief amid cost-of-living pressures experienced by individuals and families.
Since 2020, the Labor Government has invested more than $56 million to strengthen Victoria’s food relief system, including support for six Regional Foodshares.
In addition, $3.3 million in operational funding is provided to Foodbank Victoria each year.
To see the full list of funded projects, visit vic.gov.au/community-food-relief-program-local-grants.
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh
“Our wonderful community organisations have local knowledge and connections, and these funds mean they can provide food relief where it’s needed most.”
Quotes attributable to Rye Community House Manager Marg D’Arcy
“The funds are going to give us the ability to increase access to our food program, because we’ll have increased storage.”
“It’ll also enable us to build up the capacity of our volunteers, and work to improve food security.”