Voucher program to provide financial relief

THE Golden Plains Shire local food network has partnered with Give Where You Live Foundation to bring the choice voucher initiative to residents.

The program helps community members facing hardship by ensuring access to food and medication.

“The Golden Plains Local Food Network’s decision to bring this initiative to the region stems directly from our recent local food needs assessment,” said a Golden Plains Shire spokesperson.

“Network partners Give Where You Live and Hesse Rural Health identified a need for local food relief options in the South of the shire and were able to respond to this through the community choice voucher program.”

Shazza’s Fruit and Veggies and Terry White Chemist Bannockburn will be taking part in the initiative.

Community service organisations will distribute vouchers to members of the community seeking assistance and they can be redeemed at Bannockburn-based businesses.

“Hesse Rural Health are the primary agency responsible for allocating the vouchers,” said the spokesperson.

“Council anticipates this program will support residents by providing a $25 voucher redeemable for emergency food and medication at participating Bannockburn businesses.

“Beyond immediate relief, this initiative is an important step in the Local Food Network’s broader vision to enhance food security in Golden Plains.”