Dunstan pledges $3.5 million to Feed Me

THE federal Coalition has pledged to help Feed Me address the cost-of-living crisis and build on its offering to the community if it wins the coming election.

Earlier this week, Corangamite Liberal candidate Darcy Dunstan announced a $3.5 million commitment to Feed Me to help build a new distribution centre.

Upgrades would be made to the commercial kitchen and marketplace, while food relief services would be extended across the Surf Coast, Bellarine and Geelong.

Mr Dunstan’s pledge is less than the $4 million committed to Feed Me by then-Liberal candidate for Corangamite Stephanie Asher two days ahead of the 2022 election.

However, Feed Me will contribute a further $500,000 on top of the Liberals’ latest pledge towards the projects, which will assist the 4,000 local families using their services each week.

Mr Dunstan said supporting Feed Me was a personal cause for him.

“I entered politics because my mum couldn’t afford her power bills and groceries, too many people in our region are doing it tough and I am determined to help those struggling in our community.

“People are telling me that they are worse off now than they were three years ago and increasing demand for Feed Me’s services are evidence of this.”

During the past financial year, Feed Me distributed more than one million meals into the community.

The organisation also saved more than 1 million kg of food from going into landfill.

Feed Me chief executive officer Lana Purcell welcomed the commitment from the Liberals.

“Our services are increasingly relied upon as a result of food insecurity rises due to cost-of-living pressures,” she said.

“We are delighted that Darcy, and the Liberals have listened to our needs and will provide us this critical investment.

“It [the funding] will benefit our whole organisation. At the moment we are working out of a shed that isn’t fit for purpose. Most likely it’ll go toward infrastructure to help us continue what we are doing in a greater capacity.”