Fresh food grants served up

AS a group of volunteers worked hard to pack and distribute fresh produce for those in need last Friday, Bendigo Foodshare became the site of an announcement that cash grants were being offered to support likeminded efforts and organisations.

Unveiled by VicHealth CEO Dr Sandro Demaio, $3 million worth of grants in $3000, $10,000 and $50,000 allotments are currently available to organisations like FoodShare.

Known as Reimagining Health grants, Dr Demaio said the money was being offered to help with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Although some aspects of our lives are back to normal, there are still many Victorians struggling to put fresh food on the table, to keep physically active and to reconnect to their community,” he said.

“Many people were already facing an uphill battle achieving good health due to circumstances such as their income, gender, age or where they live.”

In December last year Bendigo Foodshare received a similar grant and manager Bridget Bentley said the money had helped increase the organisation’s support of people from across the community at a time when need was great.

“It’s really exciting for us to be undertaking this targeted work with young people to break barriers and teach important skills,” she said.

“We’re really looking forward to the rest of this project and further engaging with young people across Central Victoria.”

And that’s the kind of cohort Dr Demaio and VicHealth have in mind when offering the Reimagining Health grants.

“Victorians from culturally diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, those living with a disability or from the LGBTIQ+ community all experienced greater barriers to good health before and during the pandemic,” he said.

“Fortunately, there’s a diverse range of incredible local organisations who want to do even more to support people in their community to reach their full health potential, and we want to partner with them to bring their ideas to life.

“Together we can continue making a difference to the health and wellbeing of Victorian communities, now and into the future.”

For more information and to apply for the grants visit vichealth.vic.gov.au/funding/reimagining-health-grants.