Funding festive meals

Feeding a need: Grants will again be available to help groups host meals events over the Christmas-New Year period. Photo: FILE

FINANCIAL support is available for community groups planning to host meals or provide food relief over the Christmas and New Year period.

Applications for City of Greater Bendigo Festive Meals Grants up to $2000 will open on Monday 2 September and will close at 2pm on Friday 27 September.

The program aims to boost connections, inclusion and food security for residents who may be alone, excluded or experiencing financial hardship.

“The grants aim to support a range of small local activities between Sunday 1 December and Tuesday 31 December,” CoGB mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said.

“This year, the grant has been adjusted to reflect an increase in grocery prices and provides opportunities for groups to purchase items for food relief hampers.”

“We are keen for community groups to start thinking now about how they may wish to support people with meals or food relief during the festive season and consider applying for this funding.

“It’s important that meal events are welcoming and inclusive, and that they take place at a public venue.”

The city has offered the grants for several years, with a single centralised Christmas lunch at a local venue held from 2014 to 2019.

Contact [email protected] or 1300 002 642 for more information.