Funds for emergency food relief

LOCAL emergency food relief providers are being encouraged by the Member for Melton Steve McGhie to apply for Community Food Relief Program grants

The State funding streams aim to assist people experiencing food insecurity by backing the not-for-profit organisations that provide fresh produce and supplies to those in need.

“We’re delivering funding for organisations that are on the ground in the community, making sure no Victorian, no matter where they live, goes hungry,” said Mr McGhie.

The Community Food Relief Program has a pool of $4.5 million and includes two grant streams.

Grants of $10,000 to $50,000, or up to $75,000 for partnerships, are set to back hyper local food relief activities and food security initiatives at neighbourhood houses, social enterprises, volunteer and Aboriginal Community Controlled organisations.

Coordination Grants are on offer, worth between $100,000 and $300,000 for partnerships and collaborations between regional and state-wide food relief providers that have access to warehousing, logistics, and a broader network of providers.

“With the cost of living on the rise, many Victorians need support to put food on the table and that’s why we’re boosting support for food relief where it’s needed most,” said Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence.

“We know how important these service providers are in providing food relief right across the state, and we’re making sure they can get on and do their important work.”

The Community Food Relief Program is being delivered in response to cost-of-living pressures.

Visit vic.gov.au/community-food-relief-program-coordination-grants or vic.gov.au/community-food-relief-program-local-grants to apply.