Free deliveries to support local food pantries

A NEW food relief distribution arrangement for western Victoria is expected to free up local volunteers to more directly support Golden Plains Shire locals grappling with cost of living pressures.

Geelong Foodshare has secured a State Government Community Food Relief Program Coordination Grant to establish a new free food relief distribution arrangement, including in Golden Plains.

A Shire council spokesperson said the new partnership arrangement will enable free delivery of supplies to food relief pantries in Linton, Meredith, Rokewood and Cape Clear.

This in turn is expected to free up volunteers to dedicate more time to directly supporting individuals and families in need.

“Previously, food relief efforts relied on volunteers traveling to Ballarat and Geelong to collect donations,” they said.

“Geelong Foodshare is now supporting food relief across Golden Plains moving forward.”

The Shire council spokesperson said the number of locals struggling with food insecurity is increasing.

“Golden Plains Shire Council with the help of Sustain – The Australian Food Network, completed a Local food Needs Assessment last year,” they said.

“The report found that one in 10 residents in the shire are grappling with food insecurity, a number that is on the rise due to the escalating cost of living.

“Ballarat Food Bank has indicated last year that they distributed the equivalent of 25,000 meals in Golden Plains Shire at one site in the north of the shire.

“With deliveries now handled through the new initiative, volunteers helping to deliver the program within the Golden Plains will be able to dedicate more time directly supporting individuals and families in need.

“The next stage of the partnership with Geelong Foodshare will aim to deliver food relief while also collecting donations from local producers, reducing food waste and building on the circular food system for Golden Plains Shire.”

A key partner in the Golden Plains Local Food Network, Geelong Foodshare had helped to shape the network’s three-year action plan.

Network partners also include community volunteers, Linton Food Pantry, representatives from Haddon Community Learning Centre and Meredith Community Centre, the Golden Plains Local Food Network, the Hesse Rural Health team at Rokewood and the Cape Clear Hall Committee.