Network’s fresh food feeding families

WITH the aim of helping at-risk people and families receive fresh, nutritious produce, the Ballarat Food Access Network has received a significant funding injection from the State Government.

Run by Ballarat Community Health, the Network has been granted $14,000 to share amongst its member groups.

Uniting and its Meals for Change program is part of the network and seeks to support vulnerable young people by offering subsidised meals at eight local venues.

The program has received $3000 to cover another 200 meals, and Uniting’s Jen Pollard said this will allow Breezeway clients to take a special person out to lunch with them.

“Importantly, the pre-purchased gift vouchers generate additional income of $3000 across the eight small hospitality businesses which have experienced significant viability issues as a result of the COVID pandemic,” she said.

Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle said no-one in Ballarat should be going hungry.

“We have been delivering a record amount of funding to local programs that provide food staples, hampers, café vouchers or cooked meals for those most at risk,” she said.

“Sitting down to a meal in a cafe is something we can take for granted and this program gives that opportunity to more people in Ballarat, so they can enjoy the pleasure of a healthy meal with friends.”

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said Ballarat’s welfare agencies and emergency relief organisations are doing an incredible job to support those in tough circumstances.

“This funding will empower Ballarat’s Food Access Network to help more community members in need,” she said.

Uniting’s Breezeway and emergency relief programs, Ballarat Community Health’s SecondBite, the Salvation Army’s Café 102 and Grocery Box, the Grampians Food Alliance, Anglicare’s breakfast and emergency relief programs, Harvest Ministry of Food, Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council, and the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative hamper initiative are also within the Network.