Program for summer hunger relief

SEVERAL local organisations have received grants through the State Government’s Community Food Relief Program, a scheme supporting food security initiatives as well as coordination support for state-wide and regional food relief providers.

Bendigo Community Health Services will welcome $32,000 to provide fresh fruits from local suppliers at various organisation sites, community houses and libraries.

Boys to the Bush will also receive a $46,000 grant to deliver their breakfast program at a number of hubs across regional Victoria, including Bendigo, plus expand their existing cooking program.

Seven Coordination Grants will also help major providers expand their services.

This includes Bendigo Foodshare, which will receive a substantial $250,000 to purchase a refrigerated vehicle and build capacity of a new food relief service in Swan Hill.

SecondBite, Foodbank Victoria, FareShare Australia and OzHarvest were also allocated six-figure sums.

“I’m proud to support these great local organisations and the incredible work they do to ensure that no one goes hungry in our community,” Premier Jacinta Allan said.

According to the 2025 Foodbank Hunger Report, almost 3.5 million Australian households said they’d experienced food insecurity in the past 12 months.

Nearly 7 in 10 households that include a person with either a disability or health issue now experience food insecurity, with three quarters of those in the severe category.

Low-income households also continue to struggle, with more than two-thirds (69 per cent) experiencing severe food insecurity.

A full list of grant recipients is available on the Families, Fairness and Housing website.