By Jessica Anstice
Grants of up to $75,000 are available to assist Casey and Cardinia community food relief organisations with a range of challenges due to an increased demand.
In a bid to strengthen its food relief services across the two shires, the State Government is ensuring healthy food reaches residents in desperate need.
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan recently launched the government’s new $5 million Community Food Relief Fund.
“Every Victorian deserves access to fresh and healthy food – which is why we’re boosting resources for community-based food relief services,” he said.
“We’re making sure the food relief system supports Victorians when and where they need it, in a Covid safe way.”
The one-off funding may be used to purchase infrastructure, such as refrigerated vans or updated IT and management software, develop innovative food relief delivery models, support Covid safe practices or to attract new volunteers to support the delivery of food programs.
The grants are open to community food relief organisations, including those in partnership with local councils.
“Thank you to all the volunteers, faith and community groups out there providing meals and food relief to those living amongst us in need,” Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale said.
“This funding will make sure they can continue providing that support.”
The $5 million Community Food Relief Fund is part of the recently announced $11.3 million investment to boost food relief activities for vulnerable residents.
The package builds on $7.4 million already announced earlier this year to expand food relief operations and deliver more free and nutritious meals, which is creating 119 new food relief jobs.
For more information or to apply for one of the grants, visit dhhs.vic.gov.au/community-inclusion-and-food- relief-coronavirus-covid-19.
