Food relief group shares in funding

BENDIGO Foodshare has received State Government funding to support the organisation’s relief work across central Victoria.

Foodshare was one of 13 groups to receive a piece of $1.67 million from the latest round of grants from the Food Relief Financial Reserve.

The funding stream was created to give more support to food relief organisations experiencing increased community need as a result of the pandemic.

“We are ensuring a warm meal is available for everyone who needs it because no Victorian should worry about having enough to eat,” said Anthony Carbines, Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers.

“With this assistance, food relief organisations across the state will be able to continue their important work getting food out to vulnerable members of our community in a COVID safe way.”

To date, $4.33 million from the Financial Reserve has been allocated to fund 2.5 million meals and 46 full-time equivalent jobs in the sector.

“This funding brings our total investment in food relief for Victorians to more than $39 million since the start of the pandemic,” Mr Carbines said.

Other groups sharing in the funding include OzHarvest, FareShare and Foodbank Victoria, as well as regional organisations like Ballarat Community Health and Shepparton Foodshare, among others.