There IS such a thing as a free meal this Christmas

A SERIES of free community festive meal events are taking place around Bendigo in the lead-up to Christmas thanks to grants totalling more than $30,000 care of the City of Greater Bendigo.

Recipients include St Kilian’s Parish, Eaglehawk Community House, Sedgwick Hall, Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services, Kangaroo Flat Community House, Bendigo Baptist Church and Anglican Parish of Eaglehawk.

Mayor Andrea Metcalf said the free meals are aimed at supporting local community connections and inclusion during the Christmas period.

“This year the City increased the maximum grant from $1000 up to $2000 to reflect the significant rising cost of food involved in hosting these events,” she said.

“This has resulted in the City providing funding totalling $33,608 to 21 local groups for community meal events and the provision of food relief hampers in the lead-up to Christmas.

“The grants have made it possible for a range of small, local events to be held across Greater Bendigo rather than one large event taking place in central Bendigo.

“It also responds to an identified whole-of-municipality gap in food relief at this time of the year.

“This year the City received more than double the applications we received last year.

“This significant increase in applications mirrors growing social isolation and food security challenges that are being observed across our community by many organisations.”

For further information, contact the relevant organisation, or visit the COGB food relief and community meals page on its website at bendigo.vic.gov.au/community-services.