State doubles food relief grant funding

APPLICATIONS are now open for the State Government’s $9 million 2025-26 Community Food Relief Program, doubling the funding from last year, with coordination grants of up to $300,000 available for large-scale food relief organisations.

Local grants of as much as $100,000 are also open to smaller groups such as neighbourhood houses, social enterprises, community and volunteer-led organisations, Aboriginal entities and Victorian local government bodies.

Last year, four major coordination grants were awarded and 112 local grants supported food relief efforts across 58 local government areas.

The Regional Food Security Alliance received $200,000, Geelong Foodshare $250,000, SecondBite $250,000 and OzHarvest $200,000.

Grant recipients included Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council, Bendigo and District Aboriginal Cooperative, Darley Neighbourhood House and Learning Centre, Eaglehawk Community House and the Soul Food Program (Melton/Moorabool).

Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence said the cost of living as well as the ongoing drought is hitting families hard, and that’s why her government has doubled its investment in the program to $9 million.

“No one should have to choose between paying a bill or buying food,” she said.

“These grants will help make sure families can keep putting healthy, nutritious meals on the table.”

Since 2020, the State Government has invested more than $74 million in food relief and food security – including $18 million in the Victorian budget 2025-26 to boost access to healthy food and strengthen community support services across the state.

Applications close on 5 August for coordination grants and on 19 August for local grants.

For more information and to submit an application, visit the Victorian Government Families, Fairness and Housing website.