Foodbank Queensland, the state’s largest hunger relief charity, welcomes the Queensland Government’s recent budget announcement, which includes funding to increase essential food relief operations.
The funding from the Queensland Government, announced in the State Budget, will contribute to the establishment of a second facility and a new regional distribution point.
“We are thrilled that the Queensland Government has prioritised support for a second food distribution facility in Brisbane and a new distribution point in Townsville,” says Jess Watkinson, Chief Executive Officer of Foodbank Queensland.
“This investment in expanding our facilities will enable us to assist more Queenslanders in need. The rising cost-of-living has significantly increased the number of Members, schools and communities requiring food relief.”
Foodbank Queensland’s ability to provide more food to those in need is limited by the size of its current Food Distribution Centre. Built 28 years ago, the 1,800sqm facility initially distributed 1 million kilograms of food annually. Today, Foodbank Queensland distributes around 14 million kilograms of food each year, but due to the current facility size is simply unable to source and distribute more food.
“Our highly efficient team has managed to operate within our small facility for some time, but with the growing needs of Queenslanders, we can no longer support everyone who requires help. This funding will enable us to expand across Queensland, allowing us to increase our distribution to 18 million kilograms of food per year once finalised,” says Jess Watkinson.
This expansion will allow Foodbank Queensland to provide 32.4 million meals to Queenslanders in need each year. This includes School Breakfast Programs being provided to 400 schools, 16,000 Food for Kids hampers prepared for families in need, and 300 pallets of food and essentials delivered in response to Queensland disasters each year.
“Amid the current cost-of-living crisis, the demand for food relief in Queensland has reached unprecedented levels. We are thrilled that the State Budget has prioritised support for food relief services, including our sector colleagues OzHarvest and SecondBite, and we know that Queenslanders in need will greatly benefit from this additional support,” says Jess Watkinson.
The Miles Government’s State Budget has also allocated $15 million for the School and Community Food Relief Program. Foodbank Queensland looks forward to partnering with schools to enhance School Breakfast Programs, ensuring that Queensland children have access to a nutritious breakfast, giving them a strong start to the day.
